Monte Leuci Battle Museum in Pontecorvo

Monte Leuci Battle Museum in Pontecorvo:WHAT TO EXPECT

During World War II, Monte Leuci was a strategic strongpoint in the Liri Valley. It was part of the German defensive line known as the “Senger-Riegel Line,” more commonly referred to as the Hitler Line (see here for details about what happened in the Aquino area on May 23, 1944). The position of this high hill, located along the main road between Pontecorvo and Pico, represented a dangerous obstacle for the Allied advance northward.

Monte Leuci Battles Museum in Pontecorvo: the Hitler Line

But it was also a difficult objective for the French Expeditionary Corps and its commander, General de Goislard de Monsabert. He was given the important task of attacking the German positions on the left flank, and although he managed to capture Monte Leuci, the battle was extremely difficult and the French held the position for only a few hours. On May 21, 1944, the 26th German Volksgrenadier Division under General Luettwitz launched a counterattack and drove the French forces off the hilltop.

Monte Leuci Battles Museum in Pontecorvo: the Senger Line

During the fighting, Canadian artillery positioned on the opposite side of the Liri Valley supported the French Army by coordinating a large number of air strikes on the area where German tanks were located. The French launched four attacks throughout the day. They suffered losses and delays during the first three assaults, but in the final attack, they succeeded in breaking through, paving the way for the Allied advance toward Pico.

Monte Leuci Battles Museum in Pontecorvo

The 26th German Division was unable to recapture Monte Leuci, and Field Marshal Kesselring expressed strong disappointment toward General Lüttwitz. The battle was also recounted by Marshal Juin in his book Mémoires: Alger, Tunis, Rome, where he wrote:

“Like a parrot, which only climbs one step after having firmly secured the previous one, maneuvering skillfully and thwarting all counterattacks, he captured Pico on May 22 after fierce fighting, while the Canadians, still far behind, would not break through the Hitler Line at Pontecorvo until two days later.” (Page 318)

Visiting Monte Leuci Museum

The museum was opened in 2004 during the celebrations for the 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of Pontecorvo. It is located in a small, historic church at the top of Monte Leuci Hill. This modest museum houses a compact collection of munitions, bombs, and weapons used during the various battles fought in the area. It also features numerous photographs and original newspapers from that time.

At the center of the entrance stands a scale model (“plastico”) depicting two soldiers — one German and one Canadian — symbolizing the hundreds of young men who fought and lost their lives in this region.

Monte Leuci Battle Museum in Pontecorvo: ALL YOU MUST KNOW

The “Monte Leuci Battle Museum in Pontecorvo” can be visited every day all around the year.

You must book this tour in advance.

Monte Leuci Battle Museum in Pontecorvo: MY TOUR

The “Monte Leuci Battle Museum in Pontecorvo” tour (about 3 hours) includes:

1) pickup from your arrival in Cassino at 10.00AM or 02.00PM and about 35 minute ride to Monte Leuci

2) about 1 hours and 30 minutes guided tour of Porchio area

3) about 35 minutes ride back to the railway station in Cassino at 01.00pm or 05.00pm

Monte Leuci Battle Museum in Pontecorvo: WHAT ELSE YOU CAN’T MISS IN THIS AREA

Hitler Line assault battlefield tour for Canadians (Operation Chesterfield) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐