Stage 16 Pompeii - Cassino

Now I've heard there was a secret chord, that David played and it pleased the Lord..........Hallelujah

Guinness Book of Records Attempt?

Big day to day in the saddle, 150 klm to Cassino, a steady climb up through some beautiful countryside. Start off with a good breakfast, Ross having received the Marmot because Martin nominated him as he thought riding with an Italian it would improve his language and his riding ability. (should of spoke to me Martin). Anyway after holding the Marmot for the day Ross put forward his nomination for our dynamic tandem duo of James (Jim) and Cathy for a wonderful example of teamwork, effort and enthusiasm. Well deserved Marmot!

Ross an his Marmot nomination

We rode through Pompeii and the outer suburbs of Napoli around the base of Mt Vesuvius. The roads are generally challenging, avoiding crevices, potholes and dips on the edges.

After 20 klm through suburbs we are on the open roads and Mt Vesuvius fades from view. We are in the heart of the Apennines (which comes from Pinnacle).

The view after the final 20 klm climb

Not big climbs but up and down all day. The final climb was fairly long about 20 klm out from Cassino, but the view from the top looking over Cassino was beautiful.


On the way we pass under the Carolino aqueduct (also as known as theVanvitelli aqueduct. Built around 1753

Rocca Janula

From there it was mainly a downhill run to the hotel.Fiat Chrysler have a manufacturing plant in Cassino along with paper mills, SKF bearings and marble manufacturers. The economy is pretty strong here.

One of the most famous sites  in Cassino is Rocca Janula a castle overlooking the city. It forms part of the Abbey but is not open to visitors.

The most famous site is Abbey of Monte Cassino, one of the most famous in the world.It was founded by Benedict in 529 AD. It was bombed during the WWII during the famous battle of Monte Cassino, and rebuilt again by the allies after.

The view on the way up to the Abbey

During the Roman era they built a temple to the god Apollo on this site. Benedict was of the most influential figures of Europe over the last 1500 years lived here and founded his first Abbey, destroying the pagan god Apollo and sanctified the place for John the Baptist. He never left the monastery.

It became a model for the Western monasticism and one of the major cultural centres of Europe throughout the Middle Ages and and wrote the "Rule", containing precepts for his monks.

Three P's Paul C, Paul M, and P for Pax which is Latin for Peace

We are staying at the Great Western, and after we had our soup, we decided to climb the extra 10klm to the top and another 600 mtr climb. Big day 170 klm all up but worth the extra effort. We arrive for the 4.00pm Office of None, to hear the monks chant and sing the Psalms...very moving. Most of the group say it was one of the highlights of the trip.

Inside the church

After our return to the hotel a great meal of pasta, wine and desert. Big day all tired but sleep well.

Court area overlooking Cassino

All the lads and group said this is a must to visit if you are in this region of Italy.