Altes Posthaus (Old Post Office), Melk
The Old Post Office is an elegant building often hailed as one of Austria鈥檚 most beautiful historic post offices, and it draws the eye with its richly decorated facade and symbolic reliefs. It was commissioned in 1792, marking the transition between late Baroque and early Classicist forms, with decorative stucco reliefs, medallions, and motifs that pay homage to postal services and its historical role in communication.
On the facade, visitors can see medallions honoring past postmasters-one of which is thought to represent F眉rnberg, the man behind the building鈥檚 creation. Alongside these portraits appear allegorical figures such as Mercury, the Roman god of trade and communication, together with symbols of postal work including saddles, mailbags, riding gear, and heraldic motifs. The building鈥檚 upper portion also features a double-headed eagle, a classic emblem that adds stately gravitas to the entrance.
Over the years, the Post Office building has played a variety of civic and cultural roles. On its western lower level, the city museum was located, displaying many archaeological and prehistoric artifacts from the region. The museum operates under the City Archive and Museum Melk, and visits are possible by telephone appointment. Meanwhile, the building itself continues to stand out as a cherished landmark in Melk鈥檚 old town.
On the facade, visitors can see medallions honoring past postmasters-one of which is thought to represent F眉rnberg, the man behind the building鈥檚 creation. Alongside these portraits appear allegorical figures such as Mercury, the Roman god of trade and communication, together with symbols of postal work including saddles, mailbags, riding gear, and heraldic motifs. The building鈥檚 upper portion also features a double-headed eagle, a classic emblem that adds stately gravitas to the entrance.
Over the years, the Post Office building has played a variety of civic and cultural roles. On its western lower level, the city museum was located, displaying many archaeological and prehistoric artifacts from the region. The museum operates under the City Archive and Museum Melk, and visits are possible by telephone appointment. Meanwhile, the building itself continues to stand out as a cherished landmark in Melk鈥檚 old town.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Melk. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Altes Posthaus (Old Post Office) on Map
Sight Name: Altes Posthaus (Old Post Office)
Sight Location: Melk, Austria (See walking tours in Melk)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Melk, Austria (See walking tours in Melk)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Melk, Austria
Create Your Own Walk in Melk
Creating your own self-guided walk in Melk is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Melk Introduction Walking Tour
Melk, a charming town on the banks of the Danube River, is best known for its magnificent Melk Abbey, one of Austria鈥檚 most famous baroque landmarks. Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the river, the abbey is an architectural masterpiece with stunning frescoes, an ornate library housing thousands of medieval manuscripts, and sweeping views of the Wachau Valley. The abbey complex also... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles