Flood protection in the world cultural heritage area

摘要

Melk in Lower Austria is regularly flooded by the Danube. Architect Karl Langer has integrated the flood protection measures in a lovely promenade with viewing platform; the main square has become a shared space. Melk Abbey sits imposingly on a rock above the Danube. In 1702 master builder Jakob Prandtauer started the planning, after his death Josef Munggenast took over the building site. The largest Baroque monastery north of the Alps was completed in 1736. Its south wing is 240 metres long, the best artists of the time created an illusion of heaven on earth in the church, the library and Marble Hall. Around 500,000 people visit the monastery each year.