Montecassino Abbey
In Lazio in the heart of Italy, Montecassino Abbey opens its doors to you! A major Benedictine monastic site, it is a haven of peace and history, ideal for a spiritual retreat to the rhythm of the divine office and silence.
Retreats organized by the community
Montecassino Abbey, a monastery in the heart of Lazio, Italy
Montecassino Monastery, located on a mountain overlooking the great Liri Valley and founded by Saint Benedict of Nursia in 529 AD, was built on the ruins of an ancient Roman fortification from the city of Casinum. This place, once strategic for Roman defense, became a cradle of Western monastic life thanks to the Benedictine Rule, a set of precepts written by Saint Benedict of Nursia to guide monastic life.
Historically, the monastery has always been a place of great importance to the outside world: it was a spiritual center and encouraged education, the transmission of ancient texts, the creation of manuscripts, and the preservation of works of art.
Despite four destructions over the centuries, by the Lombards, by the Saracens, by an earthquake and finally by Allied bombing during World War II, the monastery has always regained its spiritual and cultural splendor.
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The life of the Benedictine religious at Montecassino Abbey
The community is composed of eight monks and one novice who belong to the Sublacensis Cassinese Benedictine congregation, specifically at Montecassino. The monks live under the charism of Saint Benedict by following the Rule and the Constitutions of the congregation.
The monks are engaged in several activities that involve the organization of the community with the typical tasks of each monastery, a workshop to create sacred images displayed in the shop, and care of the vineyard surrounding the abbey.
Welcoming pilgrims and people wishing to make a spiritual retreat is certainly one of the fundamental activities of the Benedictines.
There are also external activities such as educational work at the abbey's school, located in the center of the city of Cassino, and a reception and support center for people in difficulty, also located in the city.
What to expect during your stay
Montecassino Abbey: an ideal setting for a spiritual retreat
The internal guest house offers spiritual retreats guided by the meditations of a monk or left to personal and experiential management.
Meals are shared in the monastic refectory with the community. Guests are invited to take part in the Liturgy of the Hours following the rhythms of prayer. For those who wish, there is also the possibility of participating in work activities such as cleaning the rooms and working in the sacred image-making workshop.
It is possible to spend time in the heart of nature thanks to the presence of woods in the surroundings. The abbey is also close to some historic sites of the Battle of Cassino such as the cemetery in honor of the Polish soldiers who fell during the battle.
A guest house tailored for your renewal at Montecassino Monastery
The guest house is located inside the monastery and is divided into several spaces:
- 25 single rooms with bathroom and wifi,
- a reading and recreation room with wifi,
- a chapel where guests can spend moments of personal prayer,
- four cloisters at the disposal of guests in order to fully enjoy the silence during the hours when the abbey is closed to the public,
- a garden located outside the monastery walls that can be visited during the abbey's public opening hours.
Geography and activities
Montecassino, a place steeped in history
Montecassino Abbey is located in central Italy in the Lazio region, in the province of Frosinone.
For those traveling by car or train between Rome and Naples, the abbey is clearly visible as it is located 500 meters above sea level on a mountain that dominates the city of Cassino and the entire Liri Valley.
Around Montecassino Abbey, you can:
- Walk to the Polish soldiers' cemetery, the monument to soldiers who died during the Battle of Montecassino,
- Walk on the trail traced on the old battlefield located near the cemetery,
- Go by shuttle or car to the center of the city of Cassino,
Activities around Montecassino Abbey
The region surrounding the abbey is rich in history and offers activities that allow you to discover it:
- The city of Cassino is a starting point for exploring the battlefields and World War II historic sites. Guided tours by historians are available to discover the main combat sites, the Rapido River, local memorials and the Commonwealth War Cemetery.
- The footprints on the trails of the Monte Cassino battlefield, which can be seen through private walks on the old mule tracks, allow you to hike on the Cavendish road and reach the summit of the hills that defended the abbey and the Gustav Line.
- The National Archaeological Museum, located inside the Roman city of Cassino, presents pieces ranging from the Iron Age to Roman times, all found in the region.
- Rocca Janula is a fortress, built in the 10th century to defend the city, which has been restored several times and offers a glimpse into the military history of the region.
It is also possible to reach by car the seaside towns of Gaeta and Sperlonga, the royal palace of Caserta and Casamari Abbey in less than 50 minutes.
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Practical information
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