Caserta and Cassino

huge square is one of the most sumptuous buildings of its kind in Italy. It has over 1.200 rooms and is full of chandeliers, richly gilded frescos, tapestries and history. In 1945 it was the headquarters of the supreme Command of the allied forces in the Mediterranean. The extraordinary gardens are 3 Km long and their crowning glory is the great cascade, a 75 metres high waterfall which can be clearly seen from the palace. After the splendour of the Royal Palace, we make our way to Monte Cassino to the famous Abbey, which was founded in 529 by St. Benedict of Norcia. During the second world war the Abbey was completely destroyed and has since been faithfully restored to it's former glory, with even the original frescos and mosaics pieced together again. A truly memorable day out.