Monte Cassino Sightseeing, Monastery Sightseeing - Sinbad

Sightseeing Monte Cassino and the surrounding area. What to see here?

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Sightseeing Monte Cassino is often a mandatory point of any trip to central Italy. It is best to set aside a whole day to visit the most important sites, having first figured out the opening hours of each. What do you need to see here and what is worth knowing before you go?

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Monte Cassino monastery - sightseeing and interesting sights

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The abbey on Monte Cassino was founded by St. Benedict around 529. It was thanks to him that the Benedictine Order was founded, Catholic monks who have invariably lived by the principle of "Ora et labora" or "Pray and work" ever since. Over the centuries, the abbey has been systematically expanded, and has not escaped many attacks and destruction, including from the Saracens. Its current appearance is the result of reconstruction carried out after World War II.

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As you enter the monastery grounds, you will immediately notice a statue depicting a dying St. Benedict being held up from falling by fellow monks. It is worth taking a stroll through the local cloisters, terraces and courtyards. Admission to the monastery is free, just remember to dress appropriately.

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The Cathedral Basilica of Monte Cassino

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Inconspicuous from the outside, the temple conceals inside many beautiful decorations, mosaics and gilding. It suffered considerable damage during the bombing, with only the altar and crypts surviving. However, the post-war reconstruction restored it to its former appearance. It is worth knowing that behind the basilica's precious altar are the relics of St. Benedict and his sister, St. Scholastica. Also awaiting visitors are the crypts decorated with mosaics and bas-reliefs.

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The Monastery Museum on Monte Cassino

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This place introduces visitors to the history of the monastery. Here you can see the most valuable items related to the abbey, such as historical manuscripts, handwritten prayer books and many paintings by the brush of famous artists.

The abbey's most valuable items are the following.

Polish War Cemetery on Monte Cassino

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The local cemetery is often the most important place for Poles coming to Monte Cassino. It is one of several war cemeteries in the area, but is closest to the abbey due to the fact that it was the Poles who first managed to capture the monastery and plant the Polish flag on top of the ruins. During the 129 days of fighting at Monte Cassino, nearly 200,000 soldiers on both sides died, including about 1,000 of Polish nationality. The graves of the soldiers of the 2nd Polish Corps have various crosses, not only Catholic, but also Orthodox, and central among them is the tombstone of General Wladyslaw Anders and his wife, Irena. In turn, a large cross with a bas-relief of the Polish emblem towers over the cemetery.

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The Memorial Museum of the 2nd Polish Corps on Monte Cassino

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This museum was established in 2014 to commemorate the Poles who fought to liberate Italy and to educate about what happened here during World War II and why Polish soldiers were here. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the stories of the Poles deported to Siberia, from whom the 2nd Corps was later formed, their journey through the Middle East to Italy, up to the memorable battle and their post-war fate.