Apartment in Lazio countryside near Cassino & the monastery Montecassino

This roomy (80 sq m) bright and airy, fully-equipped ground floor apartment is part of a recently-built villa set in half an acre of land with uninterrupted views of snow-capped mountains. It has two double bedrooms, a fully equipped modern kitchen, a bath/shower-room, and a comfortable sitting room with TV and DVD-player. Built in local style, with double-glazing and extensive ceramic tiling, the apartment stays cool even in the height of summer. There’s ample parking space and a paved area outside suitable for barbecues – or just sitting in the sun and enjoying the view. Situated in southern Lazio, the apartment is in a quiet lane just outside the town of Cassino and 40km from sandy beaches, such as Scauri and further on Sperlonga. Although the town’s comprehensive range of shops, restaurants, and bars are only a few minutes’ drive away, the apartment enjoys a beautiful rural setting of fields and vineyards stretching to the mountains. Activities, places to visit : Cemeteries: The Allied cemetery is in Cassino with Montecassino commanding the heights in the background. A little way down the mountain from the monastery is the Polish cemetery, while the German memorial site is out of Cassino on the road to Caira, all of which leaves one with a terrible sense of sadness and more questions than answers. The imposing Monastery is worthy of a visit in its own right but a trip to the top of the mountain where it stands provides an understanding of its strategic significance to the area and goes some way toward explaining the terrible battles that were fought over for its possession during the Second World War. This was completely reconstructed from the ruins after the war by the Italians. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Palace of Caserta, set in its own park, was created for the 18th century Bourbon kings of Naples and was, at the time, the largest building in Europe. Shops, Hospital, ATM's etc : Shops: There is a mall, Panorama, just a walk away with a range of shops including a very large supermarket. Further into Cassino there is Archi, another mall which is also next to McDonald's and a service station. Restaurants: In Cassino there a great number including Sir Jasper's, which has an English speaking proprietor. Pizzeria Coppolla is just by the station. Very near to this is a lovely takeaway for chicken roasted the traditional way over charcoal and other traditional home cooked foods called Pollo Cotto A Legno. In Cervaro there is amongst others a restaurant called Da Rosetta worth a visit. ATM 's: There are many banks in Cassino with cash points. The closest is at the Archi Mall. Cassino hospital is a new modern complex only minutes away if needed. Swimming and seaside walks : For 21st century fun, Haway Park in Cassino, is a swimming complex with water rides, while just minutes away is Piscine Azzurra, a leisure development with facilities including a pool and tennis courts.There are also several nearby beaches to choose from, including Formia, Scauri and Sperlonga all within an easy ride through beautiful countryside. As the apartment is set in a rural area there is plenty of scope for a walk or for the more adventurous, Monte Trocchio in front of the apartment. It is a rocky climb but well worth the effort for its spectacular views. Also at the top are the remains of a castle.