Monte Cassino is famous for its magnificent Benedictine Order abbey located in southern Italy. It is also renowned for being the site of a major battle during World War Two between the American forces and the defending Germans. In the battle, Monte Cassino was needlessly destroyed.

Today it is one of the most iconic monasteries in Italy. It is one of the oldest and has had one of the most troubled histories, having been sacked or destroyed by Lombards, Arabs, the French, and the Americans (and other Allied forces) through its long history. While in Europe, if one goes to Austria, visit the Admont Abbey - it boasts the largest Monastery Library in the world and is one of the most beautiful.