Krems an der Donau - Göttweig Abbey

The convent buildings north of the Göttweig Abbey church include the Altmann Room (1731; grand hall), with ceiling frescos and paintings, the four Imperial Apartments (including the Napoleon Room) and the Cecilia Room with paintings by Andreas Altomonte and Kremser Schmidt. The library in the east wing, decorated in white and gold by Franz Amon, is very well-stocked (no access). From the balcony and the garden terrace (restaurant) there are superb views.

The Abbey church has an imposing Baroque facade with two towers (1750-65) which end in blunt pyramids. The entrance is supported on four pillars from Tuscany, with a gable above. The light nave is 17th C. and the choir is Gothic (15th-16th C.). The interior decorations and furnishings are Baroque; shades of gold, brown and blue predominate. Of interest are the altarpieces (including some by Kremser Schmidt), the stained glass behind the high altar, the choir stalls (inlaid work) and the organ. Under the presbytery lies the Altmann crypt, and in the north apse the grave of St Altmann (c. 1540).