DZ CHARLIE

Footsteps of WWII · Italy

Abbey of Monte Cassino

Battlefield · Jan–May 1944 (bombed 15 Feb 1944)

GuideFootsteps of WWII
AreaItaly
CountryItaly
TypeBattlefield
Time to allow2 h
LocationExact spot known
GPS41.49000, 13.81389
Open the free field guideDirections (Google Maps)

The story

The Benedictine abbey on Monte Cassino looks down on Highway 6 and the Liri valley, the inland route to Rome and the hinge of the German Gustav Line. Four Allied offensives were fought below it between January and May 1944. On 15 February Allied bombers destroyed the abbey, killing about 230 Italian civilians sheltering inside. German paratroopers then occupied the ruins and made them a strongpoint. The New Zealand Corps, including 4th Indian Division, failed to take Monastery Hill in February and March. In Operation Diadem, Polish II Corps attacked the heights and on 18 May a Polish cavalry patrol raised its flag over the ruins. The abbey was rebuilt and Pope Paul VI consecrated the new basilica on 24 October 1964.

Where sources disagree: Whether German troops were in the abbey before the bombing is long disputed. Some Allied observers claimed they were, but the Germans had agreed with the Vatican not to occupy it, and the British official history and a 1969 US Army review concluded they made no military use of it before 15 February.

What to look for

A complete, rebuilt abbey on the summit, reached by a winding road. From the terraces you look down on the Polish cemetery, Cassino town, the Rapido valley and Highway 6, and can see why the hill dominated the battle. Look for photographs of the ruins and the abbey museum.

Plan your visit

Summer (1 Apr–31 Oct) open daily 9:30–18:30; winter Mon–Sat 9:30–16:15, Sundays and holidays 9:30–17:15. A working monastery: dress modestly and keep quiet during services. Museum and guided visits by arrangement; check the website before you go.

Official website: abbaziamontecassino.it

Things change, so check opening times before you travel.

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