the abbey of montecassino (abbazia di montecassino)

We visited the Monte Cassino Abbey with a small group of Canadians following the footsteps of our soldiers during the second world war. To get the best understanding of its history you should certainly arrange for a guide when you get there to tour you through. That way you will be taken to the various parts of the Abby and have first hand account ofhistorical details allowing you to ask questions that come to mind.The trip up and down the mountain is exciting as the road is narrow and the sights awesome. Not to be missed

If you want to enjoy the real atmosphere of the place then you should climb on the hill by foot. Your effort will be rewarded by amazing views on Italian countryside and you will experience the feeling of WWII allied soldiers trying to beat the Germans fortified in a monastery on a top of the hill. If you want to visit the monastery then ensure that you will reach the top of the hill within opening hours - the way up takes between 1.5 and 2 hours ...The schedule of guided visits is very tight and their lunch break very long.When you decide to make the trip then make sure that you have water and food with you. There is not any opportunity for refreshment on the way neither on the top of the hill.

The Cassino Abbey is a storied monument to the citizens who have lived around and in it through the generations of its existence. WE have been to the Abbey several times since 2008 and it never disappoints. Th view is magnificent in all directions and the all seeing eye makes you think back the tumultuous years when so much occurred in the Liri Valley including the bombing in World War 2 which left the Abbey destroyed. It rises above the valley still and represents the wonderful people that have inhabited the area and rebuilt to keep its legacy alive

Interesting road just to get up there, real Italian style winding road all sealed but steep drops over the sides ! You are actually up above the clouds and must pick your time as the mist rolls in very quickly and all your views vanish. Huge place to walk around, no entry fee apart from fee for car park MUST have right money as no change given. Also toilets require a donation if you must go - would advise against it if possible

Traveling south from Rome, an excellent stop is the Abbey Monte Cassino. Famous for massive amounts of damage in the last war, the re-built Abbey has been in existence in one form or another for over 1600 years.

We took the train from Rome to visit Montecassino. It was well worth the time and train ticket. The Abbey sits high on a hill. There is a bus which leaves on a corner across from the train station. The ride up the mountain is spectacular. The views are magnificent. If you look closely, you can see the British cemetery which is down by the town. The Abbey closes everyday from 12:30 to 3:30, so try and arrive by train no later than 9:30 am. The bus to the Abbey leaves the town around 10:00 am. There is a nominal fee of 6 euro to do your own tour of the Abbey. We did not rent the headsets and also toured the museum. The Abbey itself is beautiful and its history makes its survival miraculous. We visited St. Benedict and St. Scholastica's burial site. This particular area of the Abbey was spared by a bomb which failed to explode. When we were there in October, we were fortunate to see the special 70th anniversary display commemorating the battles at Montecassino. It was all very interesting to see, but all of it was in Italian, so we could not read any of the printed materials. The church items which are on exhibit, including vestments, chalices, liturgy books, etc. are all very interesting. Before we went to Montecassino, we watched several videos on U-Tube so we would have a better background before our visit. After leaving the Abbey when it closed at 12:30, we walked down to the Polish Cemetery. This is quite a hike, but well worth it. It was a humbling experience to see all the headstones of these fallen soldiers. We definitely were happy that we visited this place of history. It was a wonderful day and less than an hour away from Rome by train.

Magnificant, enourmous, wonderous ............But where is God in all the beauty and opulence No prescence of God no awesome feeling - just opulence and grandeour

The Abbey itself is atop a hill with a magnificent near 360 degree view of the surrounding countryside. We were part of a tour when we visited and when we arrived our abbey tour guide was waiting for us. She led us through the courtyard area and then down into the chapels and the only original parts of the abbey left from before WWII. The history of this place is incredible and the fact that it has been completely rebuilt since the tragedy of WWII is just amazing. It is a beautiful and peaceful spot with glorious artwork in the church. To see the whole abbey I would allow about 2 hours. The gift shop holds traditional items but the herb shop has some unique items. The Polish cemetery can be seen from the abbey grounds, but is the only one atop the hill.

I've wanted to visit the Abbey for years and finally got a chance to do so a month ago. My wife and I arrived in Rome, drove to Sorrento, and stayed there for over a week. We chose to visit the Abbey on our drive north from the Amalfi Coast to Rome on a Sunday morning. It sits high on a solitary hill with commanding views all around. It is easy to follow instructions to the Abbey from the closeby A-1 autostrade. I noticed the signage that directs you up the hill but soon realized I need only follow a line of cars ahead of me. We arrived at an optimal time, about 9:30am. The Abbey's website clearly states that Sunday hours are from 9:30am to 12:30pm, closing for three hours, opening again from 3:30-6:30pm. We had planned to spend two hours and then be on our way. There was ample parking available close to the Abbey but there also was a steady stream of autos and tour buses who arrived just behind us. The Abbey was full of tourists during our visit but it seemed able to host large crowds.We walked slowly through the outer areas, finally finding ourselves at the chapel, which you would never guess is behind such a simple and plain facade. As we entered, we noticed that services were underway. We took a few photos and left to view other parts of the Abbey. Soon, however, the services were over and we were able to re-enter the chapel and enjoy the immense beauty that is within. Photos don't do it justice.Across a courtyard below the chapel is a viewing area, with views north in the direction of Rome and then to the northeast you can see the Polish military cemetery. Relatedly, below in Cassino is a British Commonwealth Cemetery and nearby is also a German military cemetery as well. We had not time to visit either. I've read that the German cemetery has over 20,000 war dead buried within.Close to this same courtyard is a museum that charges a nominal fee, also a bookstore to purchase postcards, Catholic religious items, posters, and more. Adjacent is an herb shop. Finally, in that same area are vending machines for drinks and snacks.Seeing the beauty of this Abbey on this hilltop, and realizing that this beauty rose out of an almost complete destruction by Allied bombers in 1944, one has to respect the Italians and their artisans who once again rebuilt this Abbey. You do have to see it in person to appreciate its beauty.We overspent our time, not knowing we'd spent 3 hours enjoying the Abbey. Absolutely, no regrets. It was time very well spent.

This is my second visit to this abbey that has a stunning serenity given the carnage that happened in WW2 there. It is extraordinary and if you are visiting Rome, Naples or Pompeii then I can only recommend a stop over here. Be aware that the opening times are limited to check on them first and you have to were demure clothing to be allowed in. The slope to the front door is steep so take your time. I was absolutely enchanted by the painting of Peter at the gates of heaven and the gilded decoration in the understairs area. In the museum the ancient books and maps are incredible. I bought accacia honey from the shop - it is light and very fragrant. I recommend a visit.

PAX can be found all around the building. 'Peace' to all those entering. I would like to see paintings on the church ceiling but they are awaiting funds. I like how the artist paint himself on the bottom right hand painting instead of this signature. It is a lovely abbey.

This is a great piece of European History. It is the scene of the Battle for Rome (aka Battle for Cassino). The property has been destroyed several times, this time it was rebuilt they included pieces of the former ruins. Still an active basic, the artwork, stone work and vista's are stunning. Go early to get parking and make sure to go to the Polish Cemetery while you are there.Stop and buy a guidebook as you enter, which will help explain the statues, doors, artwork etc. There is no fee to see the property, but there is for the museum - which was worth it.

The Abbey is a solemn place. The rebuild is clear. The ancient spirit of the place can be felt, if you care to try. The view fantatsic and the road up is very exciting. Be careful of the closing times, it is not open all afternoon.

We had but an hour in the Abbey but we were blown away by the scale of the rebuilding from rubble.The 1 euro [each way] bus from the town centre of Cassino was great fun too.

went there as we were staying in the area, what a wonderful surprise. Set high on top of a mountain (transport necessary) it was a fantastic place to visit and all four of us thought it more enjoyable than the Vatican.