Rocca Janula

The fortification, which dominates the city from a steep cliff (193 m.a.s.l.), was erected around the middle of the tenth century AD by the Abbot Aligerno of Montecassino (949-986), as a defense from recurrent hostile attacks at the Abbey and at the inhabited area of San Germano (the ancient Casinum). His successor, the Abbot Mansone (986-996), reinforced and widened the city walls, but the Rocca, damaged by the strong earthquake in 1004, soon tumbled down. San Germano’s population, who raised against the authority of the monastery, repeatedly occupied the Rocca, which was eventually freed by the abbot Gerardo (1111-1123); he reinforced the walls in the central courtyard, he built a pentagonal tower (20 meters height) and also a chapel. In 1200, under the abbot Roffredo de Insula (1188-1210), additional walls and moats were built, eventually protecting the underlying town center; they were still visible until the Allied bombardments destroyed the city during WWII.

In 1221, the Rocca Janula was demolished by the will of Emperor Frederick II, but already in 1229 reconstruction work began. Between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, the fortress was in a territorial dispute between Cassinesi, French, and Spanish people. In the eighteenth century, it was included in the state property and fell into disrepair for neglect. During WWII, Rocca Janula was the site of fierce battles between the German and Anglo-American troops for the occupation of the Abbey. The origins of the name are uncertain: according to some scholars it would be linked to the presence of a temple dedicated to Janus, while according to others it would stem from the Latin word “janua” (door), thus indicating the “small door” to the abbey of Montecassino. During the last few years, Rocca Janula has been extensively restored by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage.