Cassino
Welcome to Montecassino: The history and geography of the hill
Welcome to Montecassino, one of the most iconic places in central Italy. Located in the Valle del Liri, this 516-meter-high limestone hill is primarily known for its Abbey, which represents the first home of the Benedictine Order. Montecassino is located approximately 100 kilometers north of Naples and about 130 kilometers southeast of Rome. The hill is situated to the west of the city of Cassino and is mainly composed of limestone rocks. Despite its modest altitude, Montecassino is a harsh and rugged place, where vegetation is scarce and mainly composed of oak and olive trees. The terraces on the hill that open towards the plain of Cassino are of artificial origin.
The history of Montecassino and the Abbey
Montecassino is a land rich in history. Around the year 529, Saint Benedict of Nursia established his Abbey of Montecassino on this hill, which became the cradle of the Benedictine order. This Abbey was founded shortly after the composition of the Rule of Saint Benedict, which was composed by the Monte Cassino community.
The first monastery of Monte Cassino was sacked by the Lombards around 570 and abandoned. Almost nothing is known about the first monastery of Monte Cassino. It was the second monastery, founded by Petronax of Brescia around 718, that was the most famous. The monastery was subject directly to the Pope and many monasteries in Italy were under his authority.
In 883, the monastery was sacked by the Saracens and abandoned again. The community of monks resided first in Teano and then from 914 in Capua before the monastery was rebuilt in 949. During the period of exile, the Cluniac Reforms were introduced in the community. The 11th and 12th centuries were the golden age of the Abbey. Montecassino acquired a vast secular territory around the hill, the so-called Terra Sancti Benedicti ("Land of Saint Benedict"), which was heavily fortified with castles. It maintained good relations with the Eastern Church, receiving even the patronage of the Byzantine emperors. It encouraged the fine arts and crafts by employing Byzantine and even Saracen artisans. In 1057, Pope Victor II recognized the abbot of Montecassino as priority over all other abbots. Many monks were elevated to bishops and cardinals and three popes were drawn from the Abbey: Pope Stephen IX (1057–58), Pope Victor III (1086–87), and Pope Gelasius II (1118–19).
Visiting Montecassino
If you are in Italy, Montecassino is a place you should definitely visit during your trip. The Abbey of Montecassino hosts a library, where you can find a rich display of medieval manuscripts and ancient textbooks. Additionally, the interior of the Abbey is decorated with mosaics, paintings, and frescoes, which are spectacular examples of medieval and Renaissance art.
There is also a museum that boasts a significant collection of archaeological artifacts, including ancient funerary urns, sarcophagi, and Roman sculptures. Once outside the Abbey, you can walk behind the Abbey, where the streets are narrow and cobbled, to reach the Clock Tower, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surroundings.
It is important to remember that on some visits, photography is not always allowed inside the Abbey. There are also some restrictions on clothing, so it is important to make sure you are appropriately dressed before entering to avoid being turned away. You will also undergo security checks at the entrance of the Abbey, so it is advisable to arrive a little early.
Conclusion
Montecassino is certainly an important stop for travelers in Italy. Its Abbey represents a place of great historical significance for the entire Italian territory. This limestone hill was the center of many battles during World War II and today represents a stop for many pilgrims visiting Italy. If you have the opportunity, do not miss the chance to visit Montecassino and explore its rich history.
