The site was initially designated as a war cemetery in January 1944, but its utilization was postponed until hostilities eased in the region, which occurred when German forces retreated five months later. The Cassino War Cemetery, known for witnessing some of the most intense conflicts of the Italian campaign, is now recognized as the second largest Second World War cemetery in Italy. It accommodates over 4,200 Commonwealth graves, with 200 remaining unidentified and 855 belonging to Canadian servicemen, including seven airmen.

Adjacent to the cemetery stands the Cassino Memorial, which was unveiled in 1956. This memorial pays tribute to more than 4,000 Commonwealth servicemen who participated in the Sicilian and Italian campaigns but have no known resting place. Engraved on its impressive 15-foot slabs of green marble are the names of 192 Canadians.

Montecassino Abbey holds a distinguished position among monastic sites worldwide. Founded in 529 by Saint Benedict on this mountain, it served as a sanctuary for him and his followers from Subiaco. Despite prevailing pagan traditions at the time, Saint Benedict transformed this site into a Christian monastery that emphasized dignity through prayer and labor.

Throughout its long history, the Abbey has experienced both grandeur and devastation, repeatedly rising resiliently from its ruins. It was demolished by the Langobards in 577 and later by the Saracens in 887. In addition to these challenges, an earthquake struck in 1349 and it faced near obliteration due to bombing in February 1944.

Today, travelers along the A1 Highway can witness the faithfully reconstructed Abbey sprawling over twenty thousand square meters. Perched on a mountain that reaches an elevation of 520 meters above sea level, it remains an iconic landmark visible from afar.