The Abbey was built on the ancient ruins of a Roman fortification, and became renowned through the ages as a place of great holiness, culture and art.
It had the misfortune of being situated on the German Gustav Line during the Second World War and was destroyed during bombing raids. After the war it was rebuilt to its former splendor.
The drive up to the monastery is via a steep, tortuous road that steadily winds its way up to the summit. There are splendid views of the town of Cassino below and of the surrounding area.
For more information and photos of Cassino and Montecassino, please take a look at my website:

http://cassino.shapcott-family.com/

The high number of pilgrims that every day come to the Abbey, by hundreds and thousands, keeps the Fathers from granting the requests submitted to them, first of all to guide the visitors through the Monastery. Visitors are demanded to respect the sacrality of the place they are in (they don't have to consider it as a pleasure-ground) and they have to mantain a severe and intent behaviour, avoiding to speak aloud or make noise inside the cloisters.
On behalf of visitors is particularly requested to keep silent in the Church.

Monte Cassino is the place to be when you travel in this city.It is situated up in a hill where you have a great view of the whole area.Is a beautiful monastery with a worth visit catholic church, internal yard with sculptures of saints.Typical monastery of medieval times with historical interest because here had happened the battle of Monte Cassino during the second world war.

Montecassino is in a beautiful location - and has a nice, calm serenity about it. However, ultimately it is a church/monastary and I was disappointed to find next to no information about the war and Montecassino's significance in it.

Cassino is just another small Italian town, nothing special. But Monte Cassino and Polish cemetery should be visited by every Pole and everyone interested in WWII history.