Montecassino Abbey, Italy

If you happen to be making the trip from Rome to Naples in Italy, you might consider taking a trip to the spectacular Abbey of Montecassino. The Abbazia di Montecassino, as the abbey is referred to, is perched atop a mountain in the south of Rome. The monastery is at present functional, and is a pilgrimage site that welcomes visitors. Montecassino was ravaged completely in a bombing in the World War II, but has since been reconstructed. The site was famous for being the scene of a bloody battle here close to the end of the World War II.

Montecassino Abbey – History . . .

The Montecassino Abbey was established originally by St Benedict in 529 and is among the most ancient monasteries in Europe. The abbey was constructed on the ruins of fortifications built by Romans near the Temple of Apollo. The monastery was famous in the ancient times as a center of art and culture.

At the time of the Second World War, the monastery served as a refuge for civilians. On 15th Feb 1944, the monastery was bombed and was destroyed completely leading to immense loss of civilian life. The Abbey was then rebuilt according the original design.

This is not the only instance in which the abbey was destroyed and rebuilt – it was ravaged by the Longobards or Lombards in 577, by the Saracens in 833, and by an earthquake in 1349. Each time the monastery was rebuilt and opened, and filled with the works of gold and enamel, mosaics as well as manuscripts. It is difficult to say that the monastery was destroyed and rebuilt four times since it was built.

Montecassino Abbey – Location . . .

The Abbey of Montecassino is situated close to a hundred and thirty kilo meters to the south of Rome and about hundred kilo meters to the north of Naples. This is situated atop a mountain located above the Cassino town in the south of the Lazio Region.

Make sure you take the Cassino exit from the A1 Autostrada. Montecassino is a mere eight kilo meters distance as you go up the winding road from Cassino. It is also possible to come to Cassino by train, which will necessitate you to take a taxi or rent a car from the station.

Montecassino Abbey – Information for visitors . . .

Visiting Hours . . .

9 : 00 – 12 : 30 A M & 3 : 30 – 5 : 30 P M (summer till 6 : 30 in).

During Mass on Sundays, the church can not be visited.

Admission charge. . . .
Currently no admission charged.

Official Web Site . . .

http://www.montecassino.it/

Abbazia di Montecassino site with information on up dated hrs and to reserve guided tours.

Mass and Services. . .

Everyday at 4 PM. Sunday services at 9, 10:30 and Noon. The 10:30 mass has Gregorian chant.

Library Hours . . .

8 : 45 to 12 : 15 A M, Tues – Sat

Regulations for visitors . . .

Speak Softly and respect the sacred atmosphere.

No eating and No smoking

No tripods or flash photography,

No sleeveless or low – necked tops, shorts, mini-skirts.

Restrooms  . . .
In the parking space only

Parking . . .

There is a big parking space with a nominal parking fee.