Il Cimitero Militare Polacco di Montecassino

The Polish Military Cemetery of Montecassino, located at the foot of the Abbey of Montecassino, is one of the most significant sites of World War II in Italy. This cemetery is dedicated to the Polish soldiers of the 2nd Corps, who fell during the battle of Montecassino in May 1944, one of the toughest and most decisive battles for the liberation of Italy from Nazi-fascist occupation.

In addition to being a commemorative site, the cemetery represents a landmark for European history, a symbol of the sacrifice of the Polish people for the freedom of Western Europe. Every year, thousands of visitors and authorities from around the world come here to pay tribute to the fallen.

The Battle of Montecassino and the Role of the 2nd Polish Corps The battle of Montecassino was a fundamental military operation in the context of the Italian Campaign. The mountain and the abbey were occupied by German troops of the Gustav Line, which prevented the Allies' advance towards Rome. After repeated failed attacks by Allied forces, the 2nd Polish Corps, led by General Władysław Anders, was tasked with capturing the position. Between May 12 and 18, 1944, Polish soldiers faced fierce fighting among the rocks, under constant enemy fire.

On May 18, after days of fierce clashes, the Polish troops raised the white and red flag over the Monastery of Montecassino, marking the end of the battle. The sacrifice was very high: over 1,000 Polish soldiers lost their lives, while more than 3,500 were injured.

The Polish Military Cemetery of Montecassino: Architecture and Significance After the war, the Polish Military Cemetery of Montecassino was built as a burial and commemorative site for the fallen soldiers. The cemetery, designed by Polish architect Wacław Hryniewicz, was inaugurated in 1945 and blends perfectly into the surrounding landscape, featuring a solemn and symbolic setting.

Key Elements of the Cemetery

• Layout and Burials: The cemetery contains 1,051 graves, arranged in orderly rows over multiple levels, with white stone headstones bearing the name, rank, and date of death of the soldiers.
• The Monument to the Fallen: A large obelisk at the center of the cemetery commemorates the sacrifice of the Polish people. The stone inscribes the phrase:

  "Przechodniu, powiedz Polsce, żeśmy polegli wierni w jej służbie" (Passerby, tell Poland that we fell faithful in her service).

• The Grave of General Anders: In 1970, General Władysław Anders, who led the Polish troops at Montecassino, expressed the wish to be buried among his soldiers. Upon his death in 1970, he was buried in the cemetery next to his wife Irena Anders.
• The Chapel and the Monumental Cross: On the upper side of the cemetery stands a commemorative chapel, while a large cross dominates the landscape, symbolizing the sacrifice and Christian faith of many of the fallen.

Today, the Polish Military Cemetery of Montecassino is a place of international commemoration, visited each year by Polish authorities, veterans, families of the fallen, and tourists wishing to pay tribute to the soldiers who fought for freedom.

Every year, on May 18, an official ceremony is held to commemorate the Polish victory in the battle. The ceremony is attended by representatives of the Polish government, war veterans, and international delegations.