Cassino is about 140 km south east of Rome and a short drive off the Autostrada. On the high hill overlooking the town of Cassino and the Commonwealth War Cemetery is the Abbey of Monte Cassino.

The Benedictine Monastery

the Memorial

In the middle of the cemetery there is a tall white monument. There are fifteen tall granite slabs located on both sides of the monument. On the slabs are the names of over 4000 missing soldiers who died in Italy and Sicily. The list includes the names of 192 Canadians.

In the centre of the beautifully landscaped cemetery is a lovely pool surrounded by a mosaic tiled walkway. This picture was taken facing the entrance to the cemetery.

Between September, 1943 and May, 1944 the town was occupied by the Germans. The Germans had a great strategic position - on the mountain - and were able to see the entire area. The Allied Forces made many unsuccessful attempts to conquer Monte Cassino. Finally after a battle that lasted seven days, the Polish soldiers overtook the German army. 860 Polish soldiers died and 2800 were wounded in that fierce battle. The battle also resulted in the bombing of the monastery. More than a thousand Polish soldiers are buried in the Polish cemetery located on the mountain across from the abbey. The town of Cassino and the Benedictine Abbey were rebuilt after the war.

Tour of Italy - INDEX

Link - Roll of Honour, Monte Cassino Cemetery, Italy

Link - Veteran Affairs Canada : Canadian Cemeteries and Memorials in Italy

Note: July 22/02 A drive to the top of the hill to see the Benedictine Monastery would have been nice, but it was not included in our tour itinerary. It is a narrow and winding road to the top but I am sure that the view from the Monastery would have been awesome. Besides a panoramic view of the town of Cassino and the Commonwealth Cemetery, maybe I could have gotten a glimpse of the Polish cemetery, too. The drive through the town and the stopover at the cemetery was a reminder of the devastation of war - the loss of many lives and the destruction of towns and cities . This is just one of the many places in Italy which were damaged during WWII.