Let us now visit the High Altar located in the center of the Presbytery. Although damaged by the war in 1944, it was almost entirely restored with its original elements and decorations. On October 24, 1964 the Altar was reconsacrated by Pope Paul VI who visited Montecassino to dedicate the Basilica and to proclaim St. Benedict the Primary Patron Saint of Europe.

We have now reached the very rich High Altar animated by beautiful sculptures. According to the latin inscription by the Abbot A. Della Noce (1691) on the black marble scroll,

The bronze urn containing their earthly remains is located at the left of the marble stele. In spite of the long centuries, and destructions, this venerable site is still the same chosen by St. Benedict for his sister Scolastica and for himself. Even during world war II it remained undamaged as an aircraft artillery shell got stuck between the two steps in front of the altar without exploding.

During the reconstruction works, the tomb was opened and the mortal remains of the two Saints were submitted to canonical and medical examinations which reconfirmed the authenticity of the relics.

The painting on copper by G. Cesari, called "Cavalier d'Arpino" (17th century), portraying St. Benedict and St. Scolastica in a position of rest, also escaped destruction. On the console a delicate painting of Our Lady "Mater Purissima", attributed to G. Sarnelli (18th century) by the Neapolitan School.

The altar design as well as the two sculptured caryatids are by C. Fanzago; the antependium with high reliefs in pure silver was sculptured by A. Selva in 1970. A beautiful ivory Cross on the altar dates back to te 17th century whereas the candlesticks and flower-stands are attributed to L. Giordano.

Images available in this page:

	High Altar Image of the High Altar seen by the nave (373x400, 105K)
	High Altar Image of the High Altar seen by the Presbytery (379x423, 116K)

Now you can visit:

• the Nave;
• the Presbytery;
• the Choir;