The Abbey at Monte Cassino was founded by St. Benedict in around 529 A.D., at the top of a hill on the remains of an old Roman fort above the city of Cassinum (Cassino).¹ While the monastery flourished at the time of his presence (and the presence of his sister, St. Scholastica), after his death it was destroyed by the Lombards, and although a limited presence remained there, no significant accomplishments were made during this time.² In 718 A.D. (under the reign of Pope Gregory II), a restoration process began and was completed with the consecration of a new church over the tomb of St. Benedict in 748 A.D. by Pope Zachary.¹

Though at this time the Abbey gained great attention and had much prosperity (including a visit from Charlemange in 787 A.D.)², it also gained negative attention because of its strategic location and was again sacked by Saracens in 883 A.D.³ Though rebuilding commenced immediately, the Abbey did not reach its high point until the reign of the Abbot Desiderius (later to become Pope Victor III), beginning in the year 1058 A.D., and subsequently his successor, the Abbot Oderisius I (1087 to 1105 A.D.)⁴ At this time, over 200 monks were in residence at the Abbey and the work being done in the Scriptorium by copyists and painters became famous throughout Western Europe.¹ After this high point of prosperity and reputation, the Abbey began to face a decline. Finally, the Abbey complex (including all infrastructure built under the reign of the Abbot Desiderius) was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1349 A.D.²

Parts of the Abbey complex were gradually reconstructed after the 14th century, though it would never reach its previous splendor. This incarnation of the Abbey remained preserved until February 15, 1944, when it was believed that Monte Cassino was occupied by the German forces and the area was subjected to Allied bombings, resulting in complete destruction of the Abbey itself and deaths of those who had sought refuge there, primarily civilians.² Fortunately, many of the contents of the Library were preserved by having been relocated to the Vatican by two German officers before the battle began.³ Reconstruction began again, financed by the Italian government, and was completed over a 10-year time period.²

The Abbey of Monte Cassino is now owned by the Italian government and is recognized as a national monument.² The Abbey and museum are open to the public on limited availability. Library access is available to scholars by appointment only. For more information, the official website of Monte Cassino can be found here (English version).