I recently visited the Monte Cassino monastery in Cassino, Italy, and learned a couple things right away. The first is that the United States destroyed the monastery by mistake during World War II, believing the Germans had occupied it. (The Germans had actually occupied a nearby medieval watchtower overlooking the valley.) The second is that the United States paid to have the monastery rebuilt after the war. The entire place is stunningly beautiful and lovingly cared for.
Despite not being the most beautiful site on the mountain, this doorway drew my attention. It is labeled “Peace” in Latin. I imagined walking through it into a place where there is no war.
Alas, the Portal to Peace was locked up tight.