Monte Cassino Abbey Tour – Then and Now
The bombing of the Monastery of Montecassino is one of the most controversial episodes of not only the Italian Campaign, but of the entire Second World War.
Founded by Saint Benedict in 529 AD, the abbey was a spiritual and cultural beacon for centuries. During the fierce fighting of early 1944, Allied commanders believed it was being used by German troops and ordered its destruction. The result was a devastating air raid on February 15, 1944, which left the abbey in ruins.
Thousands of Allied soldiers died in the effort to break through the Gustav Line and take the heights of Monte Cassino. After the war, the monastery was carefully and magnificently rebuilt on its original mountaintop location. But traces of its wartime destruction still remain — silent witnesses to a brutal chapter in history.
This exclusive “Montecassino Abbey Tour – Then and Now” invites you on a journey through 1,500 years of history. You will walk through areas not accessible to the general public, learn about the spiritual and strategic significance of the Abbey, and explore hidden corners that survived the bombing.
I am a professional historian and archaeologist, and I will personally guide you through this powerful and emotional experience, offering context, insight, and stories often forgotten.
Tour Highlights
- Pick-up – Directly from Cassino train station. Travel in comfort aboard a Mercedes van equipped with a large monitor to view historical footage and wartime photographs.
- WWII Exhibition – Visit the Then and Now exhibition, featuring rare wartime photographs, maps, and documents from the bombing and reconstruction of the abbey.
- The Church and Cloisters – Explore the reconstructed Basilica and cloisters, restored with fidelity to the original architecture.
- Original Undamaged Area – Discover the Roman remains and the Cell of Saint Benedict — one of the few sections that survived the bombing untouched.
- Chapel of Saint Martin – Admire the stained-glass windows donated by WWII veterans, each bearing the regimental insignia of Allied nations.
- The Abbey Museum – A collection of sacred art, historical artifacts, and war memorabilia.
- Optional Custom Battlefield Extension – Visit the Polish Cemetery, Castle Hill, Rapido River, or specific battlefields upon request.
Photos “Then and Now” – A Visual Time Capsule
During the tour, you'll see exclusive wartime images and compare them directly with today’s peaceful landscapes. Thanks to our multimedia system in the van, we will show:
- Historic Photos – Bombing aftermath, Allied troops in the ruins, and aerial views of the destruction.
- Modern Views – Reconstructed abbey, restored cloisters, and commemorative elements preserved on site.
This unique visual storytelling transforms the experience into a living history lesson, allowing you to "read" the Abbey like a book — page by page, image by image.
Slideshow – Montecassino: Before and After
At the end of the visit, you’ll enjoy a short curated slideshow comparing Montecassino’s destruction during WWII with how it appears today. This final segment helps to reflect on the impact of war, the power of resilience, and the value of preservation.
Picnic with a View
As the Abbey sits high above the Liri Valley, there are no restaurants nearby. For this reason, I will bring fresh sandwiches and snacks to enjoy a relaxing picnic with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. A simple but memorable moment to reflect on the stories shared during the tour.
Useful Travel Tips
- Train arrival – Direct trains from Rome leave around 8:00 AM and arrive in Cassino by 9:47 AM.
- What to wear – The Abbey is an active religious site. Please wear respectful attire (no shorts or sleeveless tops).
- Duration – The full experience lasts approximately 4–5 hours including pick-up, guided visit, and return.
Contact
Dr. Danila Bracaglia
Historian & Licensed Tour Guide
Email: info@montecassinotours.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +39 338 2458831