A three-day tour in the footsteps of Benedictine monks, discovering two abbeys rich in history: the Abbey of Casamari and that of MonteCassino
On the footsteps of the monks tour Hightlights:
Today you will reach Veroli, a medieval village in the province of Frosinone. Veroli is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Rome. Founded by the Ernici, Veroli became a faithful ally of the Romans since the reign of Tarquinio the Superb. Walking through the main streets you will see an inscription in honor of this coalition: “verulana civitas almae urbi confederata”. The historic center of Veroli characterized by medieval buildings, has many interesting churches such as the Church of Sant’Erasmo. The most important is the Basilica of Santa Sàlome inside which the relics of Sàlome, protector of the city, are preserved. The uniqueness of the basilica is the Holy Staircase made up of 12 marble steps built between 1715 and 1740. The penultimate step is partially made up of the wood of the crucifix of Jesus. Among the civil architectures, you will admire, however, the remains of the Rocca of San Leucio, dating back to the ninth century, which rises in the highest part of the city. Do not miss a visit to the Herb Museum of particular scientific and educational interest, where a large number of plant species and medicinal herbs are exhibited. Thanks to donations and collections acquisitions, a path has been created that starts from the ancient profession of herbal-pharmacologist, now abandoned, up to the modern use of the plant.
In the afternoon, private transfer to Alvito and check-in to the Relais.
This morning you will meet your guide for a visit to the Casamari Abbey, built in 1203 and consecrated in 1217. The name derives from a historical and important figure of Ancient Rome: Caio Mario. After the defeat of the Roman Empire, the Benedictine monks came and founded the Abbey. The best splendour of the Abbey dates back to the period of Pope Celestine IX and the Trappist monks up to the Empire of Napoleon. Since 1929 the Abbey was elected a monastic congregation and slowly returned to show its beauty and majesty. In June 1957 Pope Pius XII elevated the abbey church to the dignity of a minor basilica. The plan of the basilica is very similar to that of French monasteries. Inside the monastery you can admire a beautiful garden and quadrangular cloister. The cloister leads to the church with its three naves. The windows of the church have alabaster plates instead of glass. The Abbey, in addition to being a place of worship, has also become a place of teaching and on 1898 the San Bernardo Institute has been founded in the abbey. Since around 1760, the Abbey also features a pharmacy and liquor store where the monks produced bottles of medicinal herbs and spirits. More recent is the printing house, established in 1954 and here school texts are also printed.
In the afternoon you will reach the Abbey of Monte Cassino. The Abbey of Montecassino is one of the most famous Abbeys in the world. In 529 St. Benedict chose this mountain to build a monastery that would house him and those monks who followed him from Subiaco. From the cloisters, through the grand staircase to the Basilica, you reach the tomb of St. Benedict and St. Scolastica. Then there is the crypt, below, to be discovered with the beautiful golden mosaics. But it is in the museum that visitors can see magnificent paintings, wonderful manuscripts and ancient books; they can retrace the history of the Abbey from its beginnings to the present day and understand why Montecassino is known as the “Faro of Western Civilization”.
Check out.
Free morning.
End of services.
For this itinerary, we handpicked for your stay an Oasis of Peace immersed in the countryside of Alvito. Relais Colle Buono will welcome you with its romantic atmosphere, exceptional services and unforgettable experiences of wellness, taste and relaxation. You will have at your disposal fine furnished and tranquil rooms and suites, an excellent Gourmet Restaurant and a sophisticated wellness centre where to regenerate your soul.