Vienna day 4

Today was an 8 hr tour day. The first hour was a narrated bus trip in the Danube Valley. We learned the main crops are strawberries, asparagus and 80 varieties of sunflowers. And of course the grapes for the vineyards that were brought to this area by the Romans....so long ago. 

When we arrived at Spitz we boarded a  boat for a trip on the Danube River, which is the second longest river in Europe and flows through 10 countries. The scenery was postcard perfect with castles and churches, small towns and ancient ruins. The weather was sunny and hot :)

When we arrived at Melk Ron and I walked through the small town before we joined the guided tour of the Melk  Abbey.

The abbey is one of the oldest in Europe. It was built by St. Benedict who was famous, among other things, for writing, in 590 AD. the book of rules for monks which are still followed today.

The Abbey itself has 500 rooms and is still in operation with practicing Benedictine Monks. Incorporated in the building is also a school for local children. You do not have to be religious to attend the school but it costs 90 Euros per month. The church is traditional baroque and the pictures do not come close to showing its splendor. St Benedict is buried next to the altar.