Abbey of Montecassino image

Abbey of Montecassino

Tourist attraction Catholic church Place of worship Monastery Nunnery Abbey

One of the Best Places To Visits in Cassino


Address

Via Montecassino, 03043 Cassino FR, Italy

Website

www.abbaziamontecassino.it

Contact

+39 0776 311529

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (8.5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
  • Sunday: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
  • Monday: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
  • Thursday: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
  • Friday: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: visit (17) museum (17) worth (11) abbey (11) history (11) beautiful (11) monastery (10) time (10) mountain (9) guided (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Rene S. 1 year ago on Google
    Poignant...divine...transcendent...definitely worth the 3-hour trip through the picturesque Italian countryside. A must-visit, especially for devotees of twin Saints Benedict and Scholastica. The abbey features heavily-detailed s
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John B. 10 months ago on Google
    Awesome historical building. A must see if visiting the town of Cassino. There are guided tours or you can just walk around and explore the place yourself. There are pay toilets on site and a big car park.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Professor P. 1 year ago on Google
    A really good visit to here .. it is a working monastery so remember to dress appropriately. We had a fantastic visit of 2hrs but it flew in. Tremendous history including during world war 2. They have a gift shop and a set of vending machines for coffees. The toilets are just outside at the car park. A time for history and a time for reflection. Views to die for
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eduarda Dornbusch P. 3 years ago on Google
    As always Montecassino was splendid... every time my husband and I come to Italy we need to stop at Montecassino... the view, the energy and the place makes me feel that I'm in heaven. I have time to meditate, to pray and to think about everything happening in my life at peace. I love it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jim K. 6 months ago on Google
    Staying in Cassino so up early to make the climb up the many hairpin bends in my car to be in time for its 9.30am opening. Missed the crowds completely, very moving place as you can still see evidence of the pockmarks made by bullets, shells, Bombs & shrapnel 80 year ago, a remarkable restoration & thanks to the Germany Army for saving so many of the Abbey's treasured manuscripts & relics before the Allied Air bombardment.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michele F. 2 years ago on Google
    Magical abbey on top of the mountain in Cassino. Don't try to walk up there you will fail even if you have powerful calf muscles and never skip leg day. The monastery was founded by St. Benedict who famously spit one of the sickest verses of the time "ora et labora". Was sacked a few times in history and the allies super bombed it in 44' but it had been rebuilt since. There is also a polish cemetery near by.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adriano C. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing place to visit. The church is one of the most beautiful ones I've seen in all of Italy. Lots of history to look at and a fun museum to walk around and learn about the building and rebuilding of the abbey. Great little gift shop for souvenirs. It has a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Little bit of a trek up the mountain, but it's definitely worth it. What more can I say? Stop reading the reviews and visit for yourself!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 karen c. 1 year ago on Google
    This is my second visit in twelve years, the beauty & peaceful setting and the beautiful sung Mass on Sundays add to the spiritual experience. Abbey of Montecassino was rebuilt after the original was destroyed during WWll and sadly many who took shelter at the church perished too. The door of peace "PAX" marked the area as you enter the Monastery. It is well worth paying for the guided tour which will take you to areas not available to the public and also get you to the Museum which is so rich in Artefacts. As the government own the grounds of the Abbey though the monks live here, it was my experience that our Guide (a state employee) lacks the religious knowledge in answering some questions from the group, though well briefed on the history of the buildings. Nonetheless, this is an important place as St Benedict spent much time here and he wrote the rule book for the way of life for monks still widely followed to this day. This is marked by the chapel with the nine red lamps as you enter into the main church on your right. The beautiful main altar, despite the fact the the ceiling is incomplete and the ornate crypt for the Saints of Europe, Sts Benedict and Solatica, simply breath taking. Mass are said in the main church, confession is available at the side chapels. There is a well stock gift shop which you will find religious items to T-shirts, well worth a browse. There is a bus from Casino Railway to and fro the Abbey at set time during the day for a small charge.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Dany A. 1 year ago on Google
    Interesting story about an abbey first founded in the sixth century, very rich history and the story of world war 2 bombardment. The building though is not as port nor has special art pieces.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robin V (. 1 year ago on Google
    The iconic monastery is well worth a visit. The entrance is free and there's a small museum in the monastery for 6 euros (worth it imo) Be sure to also visit the Polish WW2 cemetery behind the monastery.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emma payne (Sophie and C. 1 year ago on Google
    S Mot something I had heard of until I travelled here, its an absolute gem with so much to see the church is one of the best I have ever seen and I've done the Vatican.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Linda N. 1 year ago on Google
    I'm so tired of writing free content for Google. See wiki, do some research, look at my pics, and you can decide if it us worth visiting.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Phil N. 1 year ago on Google
    I have been waiting 46 years to visit, and I was not disappointed, incredible scenery, there is no wonder the Allies wanted this amazing vantage point from the German occupying forces during World War Two
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ildikó K. 1 year ago on Google
    Magnificiant place, absolutely has to be visited! Also the museum inside! Completely rebuilt after the 2nd war devastation! Every people should know and see it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarah B. 1 year ago on Google
    AMAZING 🤩 Views are extraordinary…the museum, history and stories are fascinating. A must visit…we’ll worth a stop!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ML 10 months ago on Google
    Impressive and breathtaking art and architectural masterpiece, not only for the magnificence of the frescoes and mosaics but also for its history. Destroyed and rebuilt 4 times since the 6th century, the last time in 1944 with 1150 tons of bombs. In only 15 years rebuilt with magnificent art and architectural mastery with the same design as the last project. With a guided tour you can enjoy it in the best way for only 6 EUR. Also, the museum it's worth a visit. I'd suggest downloading an audio or text guide (not available at the museum) before going to the Abbey because the mobile network is poor on top of the mountain. Entrance price is only 2 EUR in addition to the Abbey's guided tour.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anthony F. 2 years ago on Google
    Incredible amount of History and unbelievable artwork and marble inlays
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nigel H. 8 months ago on Google
    What a place. Absolutely stunning place. Well kept and surrounded by incredible views and landscape. It's a must visit if you get a chance. Free entry but museum has a €6 charge which is great value. Large giftshop on site too
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christopher H. 3 years ago on Google
    What a place! The drive up the hill is well paved but steep in places (at least six hairpin bends) but the views are outstanding and inside the Abbey the artwork and architecture are truly special. If there is one thing to see in Montecassino this is it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 John I. 10 months ago on Google
    Site of the famous WWII battle of Montecassino. As with my other reviews, I will say, that in July 2023, it was extremely hot and uncomfortable to walk around. The abbey is magnificent and awe inspiring. There is no fee, however, if you want to visit the museum, there is a 6 Euro fee. I only had a card which they did not accept so i was advised to go to the gift shop, buy tickets with my card and return. It was too hot to do that so I skipped. For the 6 Euro, i thought they would have trusted me to enter the museum and pay at the gift shop after... nope. It was much too hot to view the various memorials, e.g. Polish, American etc., so I had to skip that also. But what I saw was memorable.

  • 5/5 David T. 10 months ago on Google
    HIGHLY RECCOMENDED. Monastery is stunningly beautiful with amazing views around. Would definitely recommend the guided tour from the information point. (Although entrance is free, you get access to areas you don't see for free, including the chapel in what was once St Benedict's cell). English guided tour and museum entrance was very reasonable at €40 for 3 adults and 2 children, and the guide was very interesting answering all our questions. The monastery was reconstructed following the original plans after it was mostly destroyed during WWII. Museum was full of beautiful treasures (that were preserved during the war as they were sent to the vatican) and the broken remains of the original monastery. Only thing I would say is the video about the battle of montecasino appeared to be in Italian only with no translation and could have done with some seats to watch it. I would recommend minimum 4 hours to see the monastery and Polish war memorial (we were only there 3 and a half hours and I didn't have time to do justice to the Polish memorial only a really quick walk round)(it's a 15-20minute walk from the Monastery to the Polish memorial but it shouldn't be missed and there are amazing views over to the monastery).

  • 5/5 Chris 9 months ago on Google
    Please go and have guided tour, it is well worth it. The main church is simply devine. Speak very good English. Breath taking views and architecture. The place has a real presence and feal of purpose. One of my highlights of visiting Italy. Easily on par with Rome.

  • 5/5 Shanti S. 9 months ago on Google
    This pristine white marble beauty sits atop a high hill from which the whole valley below can be enjoyed. The parking lot is very close to the entrance, the parking fee is 3 euros.. Nothing to pay to visit the abbey. You can spend your money at the herbalist/souvenir shop of the abbey. The sell great products.

  • 5/5 Giovanni Q. 2 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous place restored after WWII, the abbey has a long and interesting history. It was a peaceful and relaxing visit. Unfortunately, the museum was closed.

  • 5/5 Harry M. 5 months ago on Google
    Absolutely spectacular experience. I highly recommend contacting the abbey in advance to book a guided tour. €35 total for up to 5 people is fantastic value. It was very worthwhile.

  • 5/5 Kat S. 1 year ago on Google
    A very special place. Scenic drive all the way up, beautiful history and majestic abbey. The tomb of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica are the most beautiful thing with all that mosaic work. This is definitely a place you do not want to miss.

  • 5/5 Dorota C. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing view during sunset!! VERY touching place.

  • 5/5 paula r. 1 year ago on Google
    I thought I was going to learn about the siege and bombardment but actually the place is so much more than that. The crypt of the Basilica is worth the trip on its own. The art and crafts in the museum were beautiful. The whole complex is gorgeous. And as for the views!!!!!

  • 4/5 Gianfranco C. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to visit. 3€ parking, 6€ each the indoor museum

  • 5/5 Nigel F. 1 year ago on Google
    I truly loved this place. The Abbey is located literally on the top of a small mountain. The road winds to the top and provide a spectacular view of the valley below, but does make one queasy if you don't like heights and looking over the edge of a mountain. The chapel is beautiful, knowing the level of work that has gone into it over the previous decades. I felt a sense of calm on the mountain. Looking across the landscape you can see the allied cemeteries that are also located near the Abbey. It adds a sense of reverence knowing the sacrifice the men who are buried there. If you get a chance visit the courtyard during the summer months when it is in bloom. I was fascinated by the white doves that were roaming free there. You can get to Cassino from Rome Termini Station. It take about an hour and 30 minutes, so easily a day trip if Rome is your base. Once you come out of the rail station and you look at the mountain to the left you can see the Abbey in the distance.

  • 5/5 hike&bike I. 1 year ago on Google
    Incredible place, incredible story. It has been destroied and rebuild so many times. A place full of beauty and history

  • 5/5 Bev Y. 4 years ago on Google
    The drive up was surreal. The road was so narrow and close to the edge but the view was stunning. The abbey itself was stunning. Inside it was cool despite being 30 degrees outside. From the balcony, you can see a huge cross on the hillside of another mountain (I believe this is a Polish cemetery)

  • 4/5 Robert E. 2 years ago on Google
    Good visit interesting but our coach driver said you weren't allowed in wearing shorts ! But once inside saw loads of people wearing shorts so unsure of info

  • 5/5 lidia b. 2 years ago on Google
    Been to the old place, lots of times with visiting friends, it never makes me tire, simply magestic

  • 5/5 Linda M. 2 years ago on Google
    Can't not stop off here. Wonderfully kept, beautiful basilica and gardens and very interesting museum. Can't believe that a place like this has free entrance €3 for the car park, €6 for the museum).

  • 3/5 veronica B. 2 years ago on Google
    Expensive parking for 9 plus vans and buses (30 euros). No guide. The museum is closed. Good for foreign tourists but nothing new for Italian people used to ok laces like this! Nice views

  • 5/5 R S. 2 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful basilica. Stunning renovation after it was demolished in ww2

  • 5/5 JK B. 5 years ago on Google
    What a wonderful, spiritual place. Go there in winter when few people are there and you can focus on receiving the inspiration that is there for you. This was the highlight of my holiday in the region.

  • 5/5 Svetislav L. 2 years ago on Google
    A nice monastery with a great atmosphere in it. Getting there is not necessary by car, it is possible to climb up through mountain.

  • 5/5 Lukas Z. 2 years ago on Google
    Historical place with a view, a museum and a fun road up and down.


Call +39 0776 311529 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Monte Cassino Polish World War II Cemetery image
1
Monte Cassino Polish World War II Cemetery
Military cemetery
👍👍 Honoring the fallen Polish soldiers from The Battle of Monte Cassino of WWII. Emotional experience to see the lives sacrificed to liberate Italy from Nazi domination. Museum tells the story. May we never forget our Polish brothers' sacrifices. They gave the ultimate gift of love.
4.80 (1K reviews)
Commonwealth War Cemetery of Cassino image
2
Commonwealth War Cemetery of Cassino
Military cemetery
👍👍 Nice place to see.The Casino War Cemetery is located in the Casino Commune in the province of Frosinone, 139 km southeast of Rome. Take the Autostrada A1 from Rome to Naples and drop off at the casino exit. Take a roundabout, take the third exit and follow the road signs to the casino. The first of...
4.70 (489 reviews)
Memorial Museum of the 2nd Polish Corps at Monte Cassino image
3
Memorial Museum of the 2nd Polish Corps at Monte Cassino
Museum
👍👍 This beautiful area marks the graves of over 1000 polish service men who died in a war defending freedoms. The total of 55,000 Allied and a further 20,000 Germans dotted around in other cemeteries and memorials was particularly poignant to visit during a time another man has decided to bring war to...
4.80 (250 reviews)
Rocca Janula image
4
Rocca Janula
Castle
👍 The Rocca Janula is a small jewel of history and intriguing anecdotes that allow us to travel back in time, discovering rites and customs typical of the Middle Ages. I recommend all people who want to visit this ancient medieval fortress to participate in the numerous initiatives proposed, for the...
4.50 (237 reviews)
Fondazione Museo Arte Contemporanea Cassino Camusac image
5
Fondazione Museo Arte Contemporanea Cassino Camusac
Art museum
👍👍 Inusuale spazio museale che si estende in una residenza privata, nel cui giardino sono installate oltre quaranta sculture di autori vari. Molto bello e ricco di opere anche negli spazi interni, prevalentemente degli anni 2000. Oltre alla nota abbazia, Cassino con il CaMusAc si arricchisce di arte co...
4.00 (174 reviews)
Last updated:
()