Saint Benedict founded the abbey of Monte Cassino in the mountains of the Ciociaria zone of present-day Lazio. Our tour, however, will begin in Umbria. Benedict’s hometown of Nursia stands next to the scenic Sibylline Mountains, which are undoubtedly worth a hike. We will cross through the Rieti Valley and proceed steadily toward Ciociaria. We’ll enjoy beautiful villages and isolated monasteries, and follow the old donkey trails and stunning mountain paths until we reach the fascinating Monte Cassino. Its monastery remains a center of Christendom, but it has also become a monument to the brutality of war. Many visitors come to Monte Cassino in order to go back in history and see where their own relatives fought during World War II.
