My husband ( who is interested in everything related to WWII) and I would like to visit Montecassino during our upcoming visit to Italy in March. We want to go from Rome and are wondering if there are any trains that would get us there. Also, we would like to hear info from anybody that has visited the abbey as to hours it's open to the public, etc. and any other sites that are worth visiting other than the abbey. Thanks.

Trains run almost hourly from Rome's Termini station to the town of Cassino. From there you will need to take the local bus up to Montecassino. We were there on a Sunday and Mass was at 10:00 am. Whenever you go, make sure you have a clear day so that you'll be able to appreciate the wonderful views and dress appropriately because the dress code is very strictly enforced. There is a Polish cemetary on the mountain that you can visit and a lovely, well maintained English cemetary just outside the town of Cassino.

Grinisa,
Thank you for your info. Do you recall seeing taxis at the station or was bus pretty much the only option to go up ? Did you have lunch in town? Is there anything else in the town worth visiting? Thanks

Cruiseluv,
Sorry, but we drove to Montecassino on our way from Positano to San Felice di Circeo. There are probably taxis at the station but buses run very frequently to the Abbey. We didn't see any of the other site in Cassino other than those mentioned previously and didn't eat there, although Cassino had several restaurants to choose from.

Hi
Will be returning to the Cassino area later this year as part of the 'Heroes Return' scheme.
Will try to visit Carovilli (41 miles East of Cassino) where I was snowed in 60 odd years ago.
Need to get a taxi from Cassino.
Does anyone know of such a service?
Thanks for any help
Ron

Exserviceman,

WE never made it to Cassino so don't know the answer to your q. Hope you make it there. Please post when you return. Thank You for your service to our country!

A 41 mile taxi ride is going to be very expensive, if you can find a taxi to take you, presumably wait, and bring you back. There is train service from Cassino to Carovilli. There is one change of trains and the journey takes about 2 hours. If you are staying in the Cassino area, it might be cheaper (and more convenient) to hire a private driver for the day. Your hotel should be able to assist you.

Ron (Ex-serviceman),

What outfit were you with? My uncle Jack who lives in Palo Alto was with Headquarters Artillery, 36th Division. He remembers that cold winter as well as the next one in the Vosges Mountains of France.

Regards,

Jinx Hoover

We were there many years ago. What I remember: a nightmare white knuckle bus ride to the top, said my wife. She was glad I didn't go. I knew what to expect so I waited below.

Cruiseluv: I've never been but in planning my May trip I read some information about it (was interested too). The tour books, Fodor's, Frommers, Rick Steves et al. seem to sh away from it and I BELIEVE I've read it is largely because it was so damaged by war in WWII that they've had to build many things anew. If you have a reunion or sentimental reasons for going, please don't let this dissuade you, but if you'd like to make a casual visit, I would do some research along the lines of what I'm fairly certain I read. Regrettably, I have to pass on it anyway as my Tuscany itinerary is fairly large and leaves no time.

It indeed was nearly totally destroyed during WWII. The Allies thought the Germans had occupied it, and took it out, unfortunately.

However, it has been lovingly and painstakenly and accurately restored. It is a beautiful place, and the view is also great.

It is maintained by the Benedictine Monks. I don't remember if you can purchase the drink there or not, now.

--Marv

While you are there, you might want to go over to the Anzio-Nettuno area, down on the coast. Big U.S. cemetery there. Lots beach-goers in summer, but doubt there will be many in March.

My Michelin Green Guide (Italy) says that the Monte Cassino abbey is open from 7 a.m to 12.30 pm. and from 3:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. (6 p.m. in winter).

Two years ago I took a bus tour from Sorrento to Montecassino. It held special interest to me because my father had been there (Canadian Engineers). The abbey was very beautifully restored and the views from the top were lovely. The Polish cemetary with it's rows upon rows of white crosses stands out on the hillside below. We had lunch in Cassino and then went to the British Commonwealth cemetary. This was a touching and very somber moment for me. One of my father's buddies is buried here. We had a WWII vet on our tour that had fought here when he was only 17, so it was very moving to watch him relive all those memories. We ended the tour at the royal palace at Caserta. This certainly rivals Versailles in my opinion. All and all a memorable day for me - I highly recommend that tour.

Hi all
Many thanks for prompt advice re my proposed trip to Carovilli.
My original plan was to hire a car for the day from Rome but quotations of 500 Euros (£349) soon made me look for alternative ways of making the journey !
All being well, I will go by train from Rome to Cassino and after an hour or so try to hire a car/taxi to do the Carovilli trip.
Someone asked what unit I was in whilst at Cassino during WW2 ?
I was a wireless op in the 49th LAA Rgt,RA part of the 78th British Infantry Division.
With thanks for advice
Best wishes
ExServiceman

This is just a thought and I'm not sure if it's possible but it would be worth looking into. Take the train from Rome to Cassino and rent a car for the day. After visiting the Abbey which is outstanding, drive around Cassino then head over to Atina. This area isn't as exciting at Rome or Florence but it's small town Italy which most tourist never see.

We've been to the Abbey twice and the ride up is breathtaking.
We also love WWII history so Anzio is next on our list.

Call Auto Europe and see if they have a rental outlet in Cassino.