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The Order of Saint BenedictMonte Cassino |
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The Order of Saint BenedictMonte Cassino |
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The principal monastery of the Benedictine Order, founded by Saint Benedict in 529[?] A.D. sits on a hill overlooking the town of Monte Cassino upon the boundaries of Samnium and Campania, on the river Liris. |
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Rooted in History
King Totila's visit to Monte Cassino, in 543, is the only certain date we have in the saint's life. It must have occurred when Benedict was advanced in years, for the saint's death is put in the same year, 21 March 543. Benedict and his sister, Saint Scholastica, were buried there.
Succisa Virescet
Monte Cassino was destroyed by the Lombards ca. 585, by the Saracens in 884, by the Normans in 1046, by an earthquake in 1349, and by the Americans in February of 1944. Most of the art collection, including the Beuronese murals in the crypt, was destroyed in 1944, but many valuable manuscripts were saved. It was once again restored and reconsecrated in 1964. It was designated an Italian National Monument in 1866 with the monks acting as guardians.
Monte Cassino WWW site (numerous graphics; October 1996-).
