The Melk is not typical of all monasteries for many reasons. Firstly, it is very grand which most especially later foundations aren't. Secondly, it was founded in the countryside, whereas in 17th and 18th centuries, a good proportion of foundations were made in Towns. Thirdly, it still owns substantial amount of land, because fourthly it lies in the Austrian Republic, the only European country where grand old monasteries have been in continuous existence, since they were founded 900,1000, even in one case 1200 years ago.
Significantly focusing on the fact which is mentioned is that Melk is a unique monastery for a number of different reasons, and it comprises that it is quite grand and founded in countryside where as the majority of foundations back in 17th and 18th century were made in towns. Additionally, it occupies a substantial amount of land and lies in the Austrian Republic, which is the only European country where grand old monasteries have been in continuous existence.
