This Abbey founded in 529, had its zenith under Abbott Desiderius in the 11C, and the art of the Montecassino monks (miniatures, frescoes, mosaics) influenced Clunisian art enormously. The abbey, fronted by four interlinked cloisters, was rebuilt after the Battle of Cassino (Jan-May 1944), based on its original design. The basilica's plain façade conceals a sumptuous interior in which marble, stucco, mosaic and gilding are combined to dazzling effect.