Moro River Canadian War Cemetery
A solemn and beautifully maintained memorial honoring over 1,300 Canadian soldiers who fell during the Battle of Ortona in WWII.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for reflection
Moro River Canadian War Cemetery
Best Time
Best light for reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn and beautifully maintained memorial honoring over 1,300 Canadian soldiers who fell during the Battle of Ortona in WWII.
"A moving, reflective, and humbling experience overlooking the Adriatic Sea."
Sign the Guest Book
Remember to sign the guest book at the entrance to leave your mark of remembrance. :memo:
Dress Respectfully
As a place of honor, dress modestly. Avoid revealing clothing. :dress:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rows of Headstones
Throughout the cemetery
Thousands of identical white headstones stand in neat rows, a poignant reminder of sacrifice.
Adriatic Sea View
Overlooking the coast
The cemetery offers a serene vista of the Adriatic Sea, a peaceful backdrop to remembrance.
Memorial Cross
Central point
A prominent cross stands as a central monument, symbolizing faith and sacrifice.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visit
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Sign the Guest Book
Remember to sign the guest book at the entrance to leave your mark of remembrance. :memo:
Dress Respectfully
As a place of honor, dress modestly. Avoid revealing clothing. :dress:
Quiet Reflection
This is a place for solemn thought. Keep conversations hushed and be mindful of others. :pray:
Free Admission
Entry to the cemetery is free, making it an accessible place for all to pay respects. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Sign the Guest Book
Remember to sign the guest book at the entrance to leave your mark of remembrance. :memo:
Dress Respectfully
As a place of honor, dress modestly. Avoid revealing clothing. :dress:
Quiet Reflection
This is a place for solemn thought. Keep conversations hushed and be mindful of others. :pray:
Free Admission
Entry to the cemetery is free, making it an accessible place for all to pay respects. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery for its immaculate upkeep and deeply moving, peaceful atmosphere. The serene coastal views add to the reflective experience. While some note the lack of on-site staff, the overwhelming sentiment is one of profound respect and a strong recommendation for history enthusiasts and those seeking a solemn place of remembrance.
"Came to see my great grandfathers grave as nobody from the Canadian side of the family had visited his grave . Well manicured and overlooks the Adriatic . Remember to sign the guest book at the front when you walk in . I admit I was surprised there was no staff of any kind to talk to, but none the less strongly recommend visiting any chance to respect the fallen."
Patrick McGrath
"Visiting the Moro War Cemetery (for this Canadian traveller) was a very moving, reflective experience. The grounds are impeccably kept and the various sections are all worth strolling through as one contemplates the sacrifices made by both soldiers and Italian citizens who were thrown together in late 1943. While visiting Ortona, my family and I were also treated so well by the local population. Tells you a lot about the people from here, and why everyone should add this hidden gem to their Italian travel itinerary."
Michael Tetrault
"Beautiful and peaceful memorial that will be appreciated by history fanatics, especially WWII experts. The cemetery is open during the day and free to visit. There is not much parking directly at the entrance but you shouldn’t expect many visitors at once."
Cassie Tresl
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cemetery is located in the San Donato hamlet of Ortona, on an elevation near the Adriatic coast. While specific public transport details are scarce, it's often best reached by car. Parking is available but can be limited.
Yes, there is parking available at the entrance, though it's noted as not extensive. It's recommended to arrive early if you're driving, especially during peak tourist seasons.
While not explicitly detailed, reaching the cemetery without a car might be challenging. Taxis or pre-arranged transport from Ortona are likely options. Local buses may not go directly to the site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery is completely free. It's a place of remembrance open to all who wish to pay their respects.
The cemetery is open during daylight hours. It's best to visit when there's ample natural light to see the grounds and inscriptions clearly.
No booking is required. The cemetery is an open-access memorial site, and you can visit at any time during daylight hours without prior reservation.
🎫 compass: Onsite Experience
Visitors describe the atmosphere as deeply moving, reflective, peaceful, sobering, and humbling. It's a place to contemplate the sacrifices made during World War II.
Most visitors find that an hour is sufficient for a thorough and reflective visit, allowing time to stroll through the grounds and absorb the solemnity of the place.
While the grounds are impeccably kept, there are no extensive facilities. Visitors should be prepared for a simple, respectful environment focused on remembrance.
Photography is generally permitted, but it's essential to do so respectfully. Avoid intrusive photography and focus on capturing the solemnity of the site.
It is the final resting place for over 1,300 Canadian soldiers who died during the hard-fought Battle of Ortona in World War II.
📸 📷 Photography
The long, neat rows of headstones offer a powerful visual. The view overlooking the Adriatic Sea also provides a serene backdrop. Capturing the central memorial cross is also recommended.
While not explicitly stated, it's crucial to be respectful. Avoid taking photos of individuals without their consent and maintain a solemn demeanor. Focus on the landscape and memorials.
Many share images of the uniform headstones, the memorial cross, and the scenic coastal views, often accompanied by messages of remembrance and honor.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the peaceful atmosphere and the beautiful views of the sea as aspects that children can appreciate. Encourage quiet reflection and respectful behavior. While there are no specific child-focused amenities, the open grounds allow for gentle strolling. It's a chance to foster empathy and understanding of historical events.
🇨🇦 Canadians with Family Connections
The uniform headstones and the serene setting provide a powerful connection to their heritage.It's recommended to research your family's specific grave location beforehand if possible, though the cemetery is well-organized. Signing the guest book is a meaningful way to acknowledge your presence and honor your relative's memory. The experience is often described as a profound act of remembrance and a way to connect with a significant part of Canadian history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Battle of Ortona and Canadian Sacrifice
Over 1,300 Canadian soldiers are buried at the Moro River cemetery, representing a significant portion of the Canadian forces who fought and died in this theater of war.
Many of these young men were in their late teens and early twenties, having made the ultimate sacrifice far from home. Visiting the cemetery offers a tangible connection to their bravery and the immense cost of freedom.Travelers often describe the experience as deeply moving and humbling, emphasizing the importance of remembering these sacrifices. The impeccably maintained grounds and the serene view of the Adriatic Sea provide a peaceful setting for reflection on the events of the past.
Visiting as a Traveler: Community Insights
Travelers appreciate that the cemetery is free to visit and open during daylight hours, making it an accessible stop for history enthusiasts and those with personal connections to the fallen.
Beyond the cemetery itself, visitors often comment on the warm reception they receive from the local Italian population in Ortona, highlighting the enduring goodwill between Canadians and the people of the region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit