Monte Cassino is a historic hilltop abbey located in Italy, founded in 529 AD by Saint Benedict. It is known as one of the most important monasteries in Western Christianity and played a significant role in the development of monasticism. The abbey has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history, notably during World War II when it was heavily bombed in 1944. The battle for Monte Cassino was a crucial part of the Italian Campaign, symbolizing the fierce fighting between Allied and Axis forces. Today, it stands as a monument to peace and resilience.