After catching an early morning train from Termini Station, I and a few of my classmates arrived in the Italian town of Cassino, excited to see St. Benedict’s first monastery. Set on a steep mountain above the town, the monastery of Monte Cassino stood out clearly in the sunlight as we made our way by taxi up the winding roads to its entrance.

Standing in the courtyard of Monte Cassino, I was awed by its immense beauty. Looking out over the valley below, with majestic walls of white stone, statues, and breezeways, Monte Cassino seemed like a fortress in a fairytale. It also evoked a sense of profound peace and quiet. The splash of water in the fountain was the only distinct noise I could hear as I sat on the stone steps of the courtyard, writing in my journal and taking in the incredible view.

Dedicated to a life of prayer and work, the Benedictine monks who have lived at Monte Cassino for hundreds of years have left their mark. It is a place for prayer and reflection, where the silence brings you closer to God.

At the end of our visit to the monastery, we decided to hike down the mountain to the town instead of waiting for the bus. After about two and a half hours of walking we reached the bottom… it definitely made the day feel like a pilgrimage.

By Annemarie Maimone