Getting to the Abbey: The easiest way to reach Montecassino is by car, taking the Cassino exit off the A1 autostrada. From the town of Cassino it's a 5 mile drive up a very curvy road; follow signs to Abbazia di Montecassino. There's a big parking lot at the monastery.
The Battle of Monte Cassino consisted of four engagements. The first (January 17 February 11) was conducted by French and U.S. troops, and the Allies were repulsed by the Germans, led by elite Luftwaffe paratroopers.