Cradle of Western monasticism. the Abbey of Montecassino was founded by St. Benedict in 529 AD. The white walls of the Abbey dominate the town of Cassino and a great part of the “Terra Sancti Benedicti”.

The Abbey suffered devastation and destruction during its more than 1,400 year history: by the Longobards in the 6th Century; by the Saracens in 883; by a violent earthquake in 1349; and finally, it was razed to the ground by the bombing raid of 15th February, 1944.

The reconstruction initiated after the end of the war has restored an exact replica of the original architecture.

The Basilica, which was rebuilt with the original materials taken from the rubble, has retained its original 17th century design. The remains of  St. Benedict are contained in the crypt of the Church.