Melk and the Wachau.

We took the long way to Vienna.
We eschewed the 'Autobahn' and drove along secondary roads along the river Danube.
Just before you come to the wine growing area of the 'Wachau' you will certainly see, rising out of the country side, atop a large out cropping of rock 'Melk Abbey'.
A history of this edifice and its various inhabitants would fill a voluminous book.
Founded in 1089, the Abbey became one of the centres of learning it strives to be today.
Today's baroque style building, whose pictures you will see below, was erected between 1702 and 1736.

I am almost ashamed showing only those two pictures, 

taken from the road as we drove by this Benedictine Abbey

Just a minute section of truly extensive wine growing areas of the 'Wachau'..

There we stopped at a 'Heurigen' 

where they serve many local delicatessen 

and some of the best wines you will ever taste.

For miles and miles, along the sun drenched slopes

running parallel to the Danube

there are vineyards upon vineyards.

Many villages nestle between the embankment and the river.

One more picturesque than the one before.

It truly is a lovely, slow ride to Vienna, where I am posting this now.