Uniworld River Cruise Pictures and Review : Melk and Durnstein

Uniworld River Beatrice docked in Melk Austria

Day three of my Uniworld “Enchanting Danube” river cruise saw us visiting two charming towns along the Danube. Both were fascinating.

First we visited the town of Melk. This town is best known for a large and sprawling Benedictine Monk Monastery that dates back to the 11th Century. The current buildings are more recent as most were replaced in the baroque style after the 17th Century when a fire destroyed parts of the original complex. I was stunned by the drama and beauty of the place.

Inside Melk Monastery Abbey – very rich Baroque style

Melk Monastery Abbey in Baroque Style

Melk Monastery Austria

Pavillion in gardens of Melk Monastery

Religious relics in Melk Monastery Museum

Durnstein was the second stop of the day. Perched high up above the town is a ruined castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was imprisoned for a number of years after a squabble with Leopold V, Duke of Austria during his crusades. A ransom was eventually paid to have him released.