Schallaburg Castle, about 5 kilometres south of Melk, is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Austria. What makes it unusual is the courtyard arcade decorated with elaborate terracotta figures — a rare survival of this decorative technique north of the Alps. The castle dates from the sixteenth century and was built for the Losenstein family; the terracotta arcade was added in the 1570s and features a remarkable variety of figures, including mythological scenes, animals, and grotesques.
The castle now functions as an exhibition centre, hosting major cultural and historical exhibitions that change each year. Even without an exhibition that interests you, the courtyard alone is worth the short drive from Melk. The surrounding parkland adds to the appeal in summer.