Montecassino Abbey - The Birthplace of Monasticism in Europe!

The Abbey of Montecassino is one of the most well known Abbeys in the world. The Abbey is perched high on the slope of the 1700 foot rocky hill known as Monte Cassino, about 80 miles southeast of Rome, Italy.
The immense fortress-like complex is ensconced in thick, lush forests which shroud its lower walls. Because of the periodic destructions the abbey has endured, very little remains of the original building. Most of the massive complex dates from its reconstruction in the years after World War II.
In 529 Saint Benedict chose this mountain to build a monastery that would host him and those monks following him on the way from Subiaco. Paganism was still present here, but he managed to turn the place into a well-structured Christian monastery where everybody could have the dignity they deserved through praying and working.
The Abbey has met destruction many times, and has always come out of its ruins stronger. In 577 the Lombards destroyed it, then Saracens in 887. In 1349 a violent earthquake occurred and in February 1944, an Allied bombing almost flatted it. The Allies had gotten incorrect information that the Germans were occupying the abbey, which turned out to not be true.
The Abbey was rebuilt after the war, and today can be seen from afar, making it a distinct landmark of the region.
#montecassino #benedictine

[@gordonjustin4787]

Very Well Done ! Thank You

[@cannyexplorer5357]

I was able to visit Monte Cassino in 2000. It was my pilgrimage on behalf of my late father. He never was able to return and see it whole once more. He never really talked about the time in which he witnessed the destruction of the beautiful building as he called it. He was one of the fortunate ones who did not get injured but his silence on what he went through maybe was an injury of sorts. I found the whole experience very moving and wished he had been with me. I have since learnt that he and many others would not claim the medals his country had awarded him because of the nasty comments made by one in government who should have known better. I hope he does not mind as I have now got them and proudly wear them on Remembrance Sunday for the last 5 years. I remember him and the rest of my family that did survive and one who did not. As time goes on it’s the descendants of these soldiers and civilians who gave the ultimate price for our freedom today. We might not think we have it but we do in so many countries that served. We must remember and honour them each year.

[@81STAINLESS]

What a beautiful homage to your father. We found Montecassino to be an incredibly beautiful place. I am sorry that he did not get to see it restored. The restoration was very successful; we first couldn't believe the church had been destroyed since it looked so beautiful and peaceful.

[@123benny4]

I was there with my Italian cousins last year at this time. When they said we were going to Montecassino, I thought they were taking me to a casino. But to my surprise, it was this beautiful abbey. We took a tour which was in Italian. I have some Italian but my cousin translated the most important parts. The crypt in the basement isn't shown in this video. Saint Scolastica is Saint Benedict's sister. There are also two statues of the saints parents. After the WWII bombing, restauration included redoing the frescos on the walls and ceilings. In this video you can see some bare ceilings. The artist working on them died and didn't complete his work. They are still searching for someone to complete them. The views from the Abbey are breathtaking. There are memorials to those soldiers who died in the vicinity: Canadian, Polish, American, and even German. I felt a connection to this place since my first name is Benedetto, or Benedict in English. I'm glad my cousins didn't take me to a casino.

[@81STAINLESS]

What a lovely story. We really enjoyed the abbey as it was a last-minute decision to visit, and we did not regret it. Thanks for watching.

[@giuliafiorenza1748]

Bellissima, importante ma poco conosciuta come faro di organizzazione lavorativa e comunitaria 🤩

[@81STAINLESS]

Sono contento che ti sia piaciuto. È stata un'aggiunta dell'ultimo minuto al nostro viaggio in Italia e si è rivelato uno dei nostri siti preferiti.

[@joemueller4738]

I hope to visit there someday

[@johnbrion4565]

We will be in Rome for three days and thinking about going to Monte cassino for one of the days. Do you recommend?

[@81STAINLESS]

We stopped at Montecasino on our way from Naples to the Rome airport. We did enjoy Monte Cassino, but it is about two hours from Rome, with not much to see along the way. If this is your first trip to Rome, these four hours of "boring" driving may not be worth it - too much to see in Rome. You may want to visit Ostia Antica, which is near the Rome Fiumicino airport (go to our channels' ITALY playlist for several videos on Ostia) - and of course there are all the other Roman sites and the Vatican, etc. in Rome itself. Probably stay in Rome - and come back to Italy another day to head south to Naples/Venice/Amalfi and stop at Montecasino along the way.

[@RyanSauvageau-t8s]

🦴