Thank you very much. I agree -- it is a beautiful place.

Weltenburg Abbey near Kelheim, Bavaria, Germany

In 2010 I took a cruise of European rivers beginning in Budapest, Hungary and ending in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The rivers involved were the Danube, the Main, and the Rhine. The cruise ship stopped at many places, one of which is the subject of this set, the Weltenburg Abbey on the Danube near Kelheim, Bavaria. The Abbey is part of a complex that includes a Benedictine Monastery and a Brewery. It is located near what is described as “the Danube Gorge”, in itself a beautiful area. It is believed to be the oldest monastery in Bavaria, and was begun in 617. The current Abbey church was built in 1716, and is dedicated to St. George (and there is a statue of St. George killing the dragon inside). The Brewery is considered to be the oldest monastic brewery in the world, and has been operational since 1050. A wing of the Abbey facing the Danube contains a restaurant offering Bavarian food and beer, which can be consumed in the large courtyard.

When I took these photos, I was not doing much post-processing, so they have not been corrected for perspective, etc. I decided not to re-process them, and apologize.

Exterior views

DSC_5201 by David Casteel, on Flickr


DSC_5228 by David Casteel, on Flickr (main entrance)


DSC_5229 by David Casteel, on Flickr (the Brewery)

Interior views

DSC_5203 by David Casteel, on Flickr (main Altar)


DSC_5204 by David Casteel, on Flickr (statue of St. George killing the dragon)


DSC_5214 by David Casteel, on Flickr (part of the Organ)


DSC_5225 by David Casteel, on Flickr (one of the side Altars)


DSC_5211 by David Casteel, on Flickr (another side Altar)


DSC_5210 by David Casteel, on Flickr (the Pulpit)


Full ceiling pano by David Casteel, on Flickr (the ceiling)

Venus definitely shows phases--Mercury does, too. Venus is also completely covered with clouds, which means no surface features can be seen. I believe that image is of Venus.

Actually, upon reviewing the responses, 2 persons did (you among them). That's what I get for not looking at all the responses before making my own. Sorry.

Could be Venus. Venus is never more than 40° from the Sun, and definitely shows phases. From the phase seen in that photo, I'd guess it was on our side of the Sun, somewhat off the direct line.

A really fine job of documenting that lovely town.

Excellent pictures! #3 my favorite.

A fine photo. No one has mentioned that the Barn looks just like the mountain behind it.

Beautiful photos!

Great shots of really colorful streets! (A walk-in defibrillator?)

Thank you so much!

I agree. You're welcome. I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

I'm going to try. Will eat dinner at Cracker Barrel, and am supposed to visit friends on Friday.

Fascinating rocks! Good shot.

A beautiful image. Where?