In my last blog I mentioned how my Dzaidzi told me about visiting the island of Capri. He has also encouraged me to visit Monte Cassino just south of Rome. Dzaidzi fought for the Polish army and survived the WWII battle of Monte Cassino. The Germans were moving their way through Cassino on their way to Rome and were defeated. Over 1,000 Polish soldiers lost their lives and the beautiful Benedictine Monastery was destroyed.
There is now a Polish cemetery and the Monastery has been rebuilt....and OMG, what an impressive site! There are commanding views of the Monastery from the Autostrada and incredible marble work and mosaics inside the Basilica. It is located high up on a mountain (Monte) and offers the most amazing views of hills, valleys and the surrounding towns.
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| Polish cemetery with artistic shot of the Polish Flags |
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| Dzaidzi: Here is the proof I was there! |
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| Courtyard shot on the way to the Basilica |
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| Unbelievable views from the Monastery - can't imagine how the troops were able to climb this mountain in the dead of winter! |
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| Photos were not allowed but I snuck this one from the crypt of the coats of arms from all the Pope's |
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| Imagine this colourful palate of marble times a ga-gillion!!!! That is what I saw in the alters, naves and tomb floors of the Basilica. Jaw dropping! |
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| So here he is! Dzaidzi and I a couple of summers ago. |
