The Gottweig Abbey in Krems

The Gottweig Abbey was founded in the 11th century.  It burned to the ground in 1580 and in 1718, the monastery burned.  

It sits on the top of Gottweig Mountain, on the eastern edge of the Wachau Valley and overlooks thousands of acres of farmland.  The view from the winery and monastery was amazing.  I was able to look down over a centuries old church and cemetery. 

Currently, about 40 monks live in the Abbey.  And, they help produce wine from the 26 hectares of vineyards.  Wine has been produced here since 1083.  

And the building were beautiful.  These weren't Gothic in design.  At least they weren't as ornate as many.  The grounds host over 30,000 engravings. 

The round building is from the original monastery in the 11th century.

But it was possible to see statues and painting everywhere.