Stift Klosterneuburg

This large Augustinian abbey dominates the small town of Klosterneuburg. Founded in 1114, the abbey's baroque face-lift didn't begin until 1730 and wasn't completed until 1842. The plans actually called for something far grander, but fortunately these were not realised, leaving large sections in their original medieval style. The abbey's museum is an eclectic mix of religious art from the Middle Ages to the present day. If you've ventured this far, however, you're better off including a guided tour on your itinerary, which takes in the cloister and the church (tours in English require advanced notice). The tour's highlight is the Verdun Altar in St Leopold's Chapel, an annexe of the church. Produced by Nicholas of Verdun in 1181, it is an unsurpassed example of medieval enamel work and is gloriously adorned with 51 enamelled panels showing biblical scenes.