Introduction
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and San Benedetto Abate is the abbey church of the Abbey of Montecassino and the seat of the Abbot’s Chair for the Territorial Abbey of Montecassino. Dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. Benedict of Nursia, the cathedral holds immense historical and spiritual significance as the center of the Benedictine order. It is also honored with the title of minor basilica, recognizing its importance in the Roman Catholic Church. Established in the 6th century by St. Benedict, the Abbey of Montecassino has endured numerous reconstructions, particularly after its destruction during World War II, yet it remains a symbol of resilience and faith. The cathedral continues to serve as a place of worship, pilgrimage, and cultural heritage, representing the rich legacy of the Benedictine tradition.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and San Benedetto Abate has a long history that traces its origins back to 529 AD, when Benedict of Norcia built the first church on a pagan temple and dedicated it to Saint Martin. However, by the 9th century, the church faced destruction at the hands of the Lombards and later the Normans. The church underwent a second foundation by Abbot Desiderius, and in 1071, it was consecrated once again by Pope Alexander II.
In 1349, an earthquake destroyed much of the monastery, and the church was formally defined as a “Cathedral” in 1321 by Pope John XXII. The building was later reconstructed during the medieval period, and in 1627, significant enlargements were made under the direction of architect Cosimo Fanzago, resulting in the current layout and design of the cathedral.
The Basilica in 1819
A detailed description by Abbot Domenico Romanelli in 1819 offers insights into the interior and layout of the cathedral before it suffered severe damage during the bombings in February 1944, at the height of World War II. During the war, the centuries-old building was reduced to ruins, although important documents and relics were saved for preservation.
The Right Aisle
Chapel of San Gregorio Magno: This chapel holds the mortal remains of San Simplicio and San Costantino Abati. The altar features a painting by Marco Mazzaroppi of San Gregorio Magno, while frescoes by Francesco de Mura illustrate events from his life.
Chapel of San Carlomanno: Home to the urn of Carlomanno, the brother of Pepin the Short, the altar features a painting by Francesco de Mura of Pope Saint Zaccaria dressing King Carloman. Frescoes by Francesco Solimena decorate the chapel.
Chapel of San Guinizzone and San Gennaro: Also known as the Chapel of the Holy Eucharist, this space features works by Luca Giordano and was designed by Cosimo Fanzago.
Chapel of San Bertario: Dedicated to the Cassinese abbot San Bertario, who is buried beneath the altar. The chapel’s altar painting depicts the Martyrdom of San Bertario by Raffaele Vanni.
The Left Aisle
Chapel of the Archangel St. Michael: The altar displays Luca Giordano’s depiction of St. Michael. The chapel also features paintings by Paolo de Matteis and Francesco de Mura.
Chapel of St. John the Baptist: The altar features Francesco Solimena’s Baptism of the Redeemer, while Sebastiano Conca’s paintings of the Baptist’s life are displayed in the chapel.
Chapel of Sant’Apollinare: Dedicated to the abbot of Montecassino, the altar holds the urn containing his remains, with all paintings of the saint by Luca Giordano.
Chapel of San Vittorio III: This chapel houses the mortal remains of Desiderio da Montecassino, with paintings by Luca Giordano adorning its walls.
The Raised Presbytery and Apse
The main altar, designed in the style of Michelangelo by Cosimo Fanzago, houses the tombs of Saints Benedict and Scholastica. Nearby mausoleums include those of Guido Fieramosca and Pietro de’ Medici.
The Chapel of the Assumption, located on the epistle side, features paintings by Paolo de Matteis and Francesco de Mura, while the Chapel of the Redeemer on the gospel side includes frescoes by Sebastiano Conca and Francesco de Mura.
Sacristy and Crypt
The Sacristy features a vault depicting the Washing of the Feet by Sebastiano Conca, with richly decorated reliquaries and wardrobes.
The Crypt houses the Chapel of San Benedetto with a painting by Marco Mazzaroppi, along with chapels dedicated to San Mauro and San Placido, adorned with works by Paolo de Matteis and Sebastiano Conca.
Modern Era and Restoration
During the Battle of Montecassino in 1944, the abbey, including the cathedral, was completely destroyed. After the war, it was decided to restore the abbey and cathedral “as it was and where it was,” under the direction of engineer Giuseppe Breccia Fratadocchi. Though the restoration is largely complete, decorative elements are still being finalized.
The cathedral was consecrated by Pope Paul VI on October 24, 1964, during the feast of the Archangel Raphael. Since then, it has welcomed visits from Pope John Paul II in 1980 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.
Architecture of Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and San Benedetto Abbot in Italy
External Features
The exterior of the cathedral is dominated by its prominent façade, which is preceded by a quadriportico. The façade follows the layout of the church’s internal structure, with two volutes at each end, crowned with pinnacles that connect the lateral naves to the central nave. A large rectangular window opens in the central nave, and the façade culminates in a triangular tympanum. The pediment features a bas-relief of the abbey’s coat of arms, and the overall design is more restrained compared to the ornate interior.
The cathedral is accessed via three portals leading into the narthex. The narthex, like the three other arms of the quadriportico, is covered by cross vaults supported by Tuscan columns. The central door’s bronze doors date back to the 11th century when Abbot Desiderio was in charge, while the bronze doors of the two lateral doors, featuring scenes from Saint Benedict’s life and the destruction of the abbey, were donated by the Italian President Luigi Einaudi.
Internal Features
The cathedral has a Latin cross plan, divided into three naves. The central nave is wider and higher than the two lateral aisles, which are narrower and lower. The round arches connecting the central nave and the aisles rest on Tuscan columns interspersed with Corinthian pilasters. The main nave is covered by a barrel vault with stucco-decorated lunettes, while the aisles have smaller domes without drums or lanterns. Unfortunately, many of the original frescoes by Luca Giordano were lost during the 1944 bombing.
Notable Chapels
Among the chapels, the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament along the right aisle stands out. It houses the original 18th-century tabernacle designed by Nicola Salvi.
Transept and Presbytery
The transept is fully occupied by the presbytery, which is covered by a dome with a drum and lantern. The dome is decorated with frescoes by Pietro Annigoni, created in 1977, depicting the Vision of Saint Benedict, the Death of Saint Scholastica, and the Death of Saint Benedict. Annigoni also painted the Glory of Saint Benedict in 1979, which adorns the counter-façade. The presbytery is elevated by a staircase and balustrade, with the abbey chair to the left. The high altar, rebuilt using surviving 17th-century parts after the 1944 bombing, is made from polychrome marble and houses the relics of Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica beneath the altar table.
Apse and Choir Stalls
The apse is deep and rectangular, with wooden choir stalls arranged in two levels. The vault and walls are decorated with frescoes by Sergio Favotto, depicting key events in the history of the Abbey of Montecassino.
Pipe Organ
The cathedral’s pipe organ is the Mascioni Opus 693, installed to replace the previous instrument. The original organ was built in 1696 by Cesare Catarinozzi and later expanded in 1830 and 1880 by various makers. The current organ was commissioned in 1953 and inaugurated in 1957. It was designed by Vincenzo Mascioni, Ferruccio Vignanelli, and Father Luigi De Sario.
The organ consists of two separate bodies:
- The main organ is situated on a gallery at the back of the apse, enclosed in a neo-baroque case, and has an unusual five-bay display.
- The choral organ, located in the apse, includes the pedal section. The console, placed on the floor behind the main altar, features five keyboards, a 32-note concave-radial pedalboard, and 82 registers.
Crypt
The crypt, the only area that survived the bombings of 1944, is a long star-shaped corridor completely decorated with mosaics. Built in 1544 by excavating the living rock of the mountain, the crypt consists of three rooms, which were partially restored after the war.
The central chapel in the crypt contains statues of Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica, created in 1959. The other chapels include the Chapel of San Mauro and the Chapel of San Placido. While the crypt holds sarcophagi, the relics of the saints are actually preserved at the main altar in the cathedral.
Baptistery
The Baptistery of the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta is located prominently within the complex. Originally, the structure had a square exterior but featured an octagonal interior. During a medieval renovation, three of the four large corner niches were removed, altering the original design. What remains are six truncated columns, which are remnants of an ambulatory that once surrounded the space. These columns once supported the pillars that held the ancient dome, which tragically collapsed in 1790.
In the center of the baptistery stands the baptismal font, hexagonal in shape. This font was restored in 1739 at the expense of Emperor Charles VI of Habsburg. Excavations conducted in the early 1980s uncovered remains of an earlier octagonal font that preceded the current one.
Feast Day
Feast Day: Assumption of the Virgin Mary Feast Day : 15th August
Saint Benedict Feast Day : 11th July
The feast day of the Basilica Cattedrale Maria di Santissima Assunta e San Benedetto Abate in Montecassino is celebrated on July 11th. This date honors Saint Benedict of Nursia, the founder of the Benedictine Order, whose relics are housed in the cathedral. The day also celebrates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on August 15th, which is the feast of the cathedral’s dedication to Santa Maria Assunta (Saint Mary of the Assumption).
Church Mass Timing
Sunday : 10.30 AM and 12:00 PM
Church Opening Time:
Monday : 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday : 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday : 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday : 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Friday : 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday : 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday : 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Contact Info
Address :
Via Montecassino, 0, 03043 Cassino FR, Italy
Phone : +390776311529
Accommodations
Connectivities
Airway
Naples (NAP) Airport to Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and San Benedetto Abbot in Italy distance between 1 hr 14 min (102.4 km) via A1/E45.
Railway
Termini station to Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and San Benedetto Abbot in Italy distance between 1 hr 42 min (141.9 km) via A1/E45.
