The church itself is the highlight of the Melk Abbey. In stark contrast to many of the dark Gothic cathedrals in Europe, the ornate church is filled with natural light, and the soft rose and gold tones bring inspiration to this space. A 200-foot mural dome complements the beautiful gilded Baroque church and looks out into the sky. Melk Abbey is also one of the most beautiful (and most photographed) spiral staircases in the world. The Mack Abby staircase uses the Rococo style to connect the library to two high-level reading rooms that are not open to the public. If there is a ladder to heaven, I am sure it looks like this.