Obelisco - Quota 593

On the heights of Montecassino, specifically on Hill 593, known as Monte Calvario, stands a monument dedicated to the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division of the Polish army. This memorial commemorates the courage and sacrifice of Polish soldiers during the Battle of Montecassino in 1944.

On July 2, 1944, General Bronisław Duch, commander of the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division, ordered the construction of a monument on Hill 593 to honor the soldiers who fell in that crucial area. The design of the 11-meter tall obelisk was carried out by Captain Engineer Tadeusz Zandfoss. The construction, executed by Polish soldiers and Italian stonecutters, used travertine from the Tivoli quarries and white marble for the commemorative inscriptions. The official inauguration took place on July 18, 1945, in the presence of numerous delegations and military units.

The obelisk, visible from several kilometers away, is topped with a cross and decorated with bronze eagles and the division's emblems. At the base, an inscription in four languages reads:

"For your and our freedom, we Polish soldiers have given our soul to God, our body to the Italian earth, and our heart to Poland." These words, written by the poet and soldier Bolesław Kobrzyński, reflect the profound sacrifice of the Polish military.

The monument represents a symbol of heroism and dedication, commemorating one of the bloodiest battles of the Italian campaign. Each year, Polish and international delegations visit the site to pay tribute to the fallen, keeping the historical memory alive and strengthening the bonds between nations.

Visiting the Monument to the Carpathian Riflemen on Monte Calvario offers the opportunity to reflect on a crucial chapter of European history and honor the sacrifice of those who fought for freedom. This sacred place continues to testify to the heroism of Polish soldiers and remains a symbol for future generations.