Casertaor Montecassino
 

I will be driving from Rome to Sorrento and would like to stop at one of these places.Has anyone been to them and which do you prefer.Also how long(time) is it from the autostrada all the way to the top of cassino. <BR> Thanks

It is very difficult to pick a "which is better", because they are so very different. Caserta is mainly the palace, which is beautiful. Montecassino is, of course, the site of the WWII battle. The cemetery is very moving and the views are fantastic. I guess it would depend on your interests. More interested in art and culture? Caserta. In history? Montecassino. Both are well worth the stop. <BR> <BR>It's been a couple of years since I did the drive, but I think it would be about 1/2 hour from the autostrada to the top of the "mountain". Actually, it's not that much of a mountain, more like a very tall hill. Is there a Fodorite out there who can correct me as to time?

Did both with my children this year. <BR>I would hate to choose between them! <BR>But, the things Linda mentioned are good guidelines to base decisions on <BR>[and how come you are always so right, Linda ? :-) ] <BR> <BR>Caserta is beautiful and the rooms in the Palazzo are jaw-dropping. <BR>If the weather isn't that great, you have enough to see inside to make a good trip. <BR>And if the weather is good out, you can start walking up to the waterfall area. <BR>They have those audio- guides at Caserta,explaining the rooms. <BR>we got them for the children. <BR>Very worth it, my friend and I "borrowed" them from time to time. <BR> <BR>But, on the otherrhand, Montecassino was a place I wish we had had more time at. <BR>But, my friend had not dressed appropriately enough, so after I did a quick tour with the children, I went back out, I gave her my skirt and shawl <BR>(put her shorts on) and she went back inside with the children for more. <BR>The views are unbelievable, and the feeling of peace and holiness that fill the Abbezia was astounding <BR>(and I am *not* a very religious person) <BR> <BR>As we came up from the coast, Formia , for that visit, and did not use the autostrada, can't give you a time. <BR>But, the abbezia is 8 km up from the last "turn off" and up the hill. <BR> <BR>I don't know about you Linda, but it sure did seem pretty tall to me!! <BR>Half way up, I was starting to wonder HOW I was going to drive the car down. <BR>but, of course, did not express that to the children!! <BR>It worked out fine, infact down was easier than up. <BR>BUT, I will definitely not drive the Amalfi Coast :-) <BR>Sorry not to have a definite answer for you Cheryl. <BR>Decisions can be frustrating! <BR>You would enjoy either one.

Cheryl, <BR> <BR>I agree with everything Linda and Nancy said. <BR> <BR>When I think back on the 2 locations (and if I had to choose), I guess that Montecassino made a bigger impression on me. Not only the holiness of the place and the views but also the fact that all of this was destroyed in the war (except for the well). The peacefulness of the place contrasted with the previous devastation impressed me. <BR> <BR>Caserta is beautiful but (and I hate to say it), if you've seen one fabulous castle you've seen...) <BR> <BR>I'm sure you'll enjoy either... <BR> <BR>Dona

Nancy, LOL. Can I quote you about always being right when I take my next test in school? Think the instructor will buy it?

And, if you lived in the Rockies instead of Vermont, you would probably think the mountain was a hill. Guess it comes from the perspective gained from your experiences.

OK Linda, <BR> so now , not only are you always right, <BR>But, <BR>your mountains are bigger than my mountains? :-)

Of course they are. Everybody knows that. Learned that in elementary school! Something about the fact yours are older and more run down/eroded away. (Or am I describing myself?)

Sorry Cheryl, at least we're topping your thread! <BR>Linda, <BR> Lei? Non mai!! <BR> Le montagne , si!

Cheryl, apologies from me to, for co-opting your thread. <BR> <BR>Nancy, grazie! Multo grazie.