Rome Cat Sanctuary Ruins – Largo di Torre Argentina

Largo di Torre Argentina is one of the ancient Roman sites with a famous cat sanctuary in Rome. Moreover, this is the place where Julius Caesar was killed.

More than 200 cats live in a shelter, where you can adopt one of them at a distance and walk among the ruins.

What is Essential to Know about Cats in the Torre Argentina Shelter

Interesting Facts about Homeless Cats in Rome

1. Rome’s cat sanctuary, also known as Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, is located in the ancient Largo di Torre Argentina square, which is home to four Republican Roman temples and the remains of Pompey’s Theatre. The square itself dates back to the 4th century BC, making it a site of historical significance.
2. The Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary was established in the early 1990s when a group of volunteers started caring for the numerous stray cats that inhabited the ancient ruins. Today, the sanctuary provides shelter, food, and medical care to hundreds of cats, ensuring their well-being and safety.
3. The ruins where the cat sanctuary is situated are believed to be the site where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC. According to historical accounts, Caesar was attacked and stabbed by a group of conspirators at the Theatre of Pompey, whose remains are now part of the sanctuary grounds.
4. The sanctuary is run by a dedicated team of volunteers who care for the resident cats and work to find them permanent homes through adoption. They also run a trap-neuter-release (TNR) program to help humanely control the stray cat population in Rome.
5. Visitors to the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary can take guided tours of the ruins, learn about the site’s rich history, and meet and interact with the resident felines. The sanctuary relies on donations and support from visitors, making it a unique combination of history, archaeology, and animal welfare.

Theatre of Pompey and Antic Temples

The Theatre of Pompey, located in the heart of Rome near the Largo di Torre Argentina square, was an architectural masterpiece and the first permanent theatre in Rome. Built in 55 BC by the Roman general Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, the theatre could accommodate up to 20,000 spectators and hosted a variety of entertainment, including plays, orations, and gladiatorial games. Its monumental scale and intricate decorations showcased the grandeur of Roman engineering and artistic prowess.

Adjacent to the Theatre of Pompey stood the Curia of Pompey, a meeting hall that functioned as an extension of the theatre complex. The Curia was a significant political venue where senators convened for various meetings and discussions. It is particularly famous as the site of Julius Caesar’s assassination in 44 BC, a pivotal event in Roman history that marked the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire.

Largo di Torre Argentina square, situated close to the Theatre of Pompey and the Curia, is an archaeological treasure trove, comprising four ancient Republican Roman temples and the remains of Pompey’s Theatre. The temples, dating back to the 4th century BC, are known as Temples A, B, C, and D, and showcase the architectural diversity and religious significance of the area.

• Temple A, the oldest of the four, was dedicated to the goddess Juno and was distinguished by its stunning Ionic columns.
• Temple B, characterized by its circular shape and six Corinthian columns, was dedicated to the goddess Fortuna.
• Temple C, constructed in the 3rd century BC, featured a grand staircase and was dedicated to the god Mars.
• Temple D, the largest of the temples, was built in the 2nd century BC and is believed to have been dedicated to the god Jupiter.

Today, Largo di Torre, Argentina serves as an archaeological site that showcases the rich history of Rome and as a sanctuary for the city’s stray cats, highlighting the unique interplay between ancient history and modern urban life. Visitors to the site can appreciate the architectural remnants of the Theatre of Pompey, Curia, and the four temples while also experiencing a sense of the city’s contemporary charm.

Largo di Torre Argentina was excavated during Mussolini’s rebuilding attempts in 1929 and consisted of four Republican victory temples located 20 feet below street level. Moreover, there is also part of the portico of Pompey, upon whose steps Julius Caesar was killed in 44 BCE.

The History of the Cat Sanctuary

In 1993, Silvia Viviani and Lia Dequel founded the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary (in Italian, Colonia Felinia Torre Argentina, or “Torre Argentina Feline Colony”).

Today, volunteers at Largo di Torre Atgentina care for about 250 cats at the cat sanctuary.

After the site’s excavation, cats started moving to these ruins, and locals fed them. Despite the city being full of cats, Torre Argentina is a trendy place for them.

Torre Argentina has numerous bus stops and located between Jewish Ghetto, Campo de’ Fiori, and the Pantheon areas

The organization’s cat sanctuary takes care of sick cats and has an extensive spray and neuter program to keep the feral population under control. Moreover, most of the cats in Torre Argentina, have special needs. Here, some are missing legs, handicapped, or just came from abusive homes. Many tourists and locals gather near the site to admire pets walking among the ruins.

The controversial move by archaeological authorities in recent years is to close the cat sanctuary because of the large animal population that affects the dignity and conversation of the ancient holy sites. However, many petitions favor the sanctuary; luckily, it still works, so the historic cats of the Eternal City can keep their home.

Read also about Romeow Cat Bistrot.

How to Visit Cat Sanctuary Ruins

The cat sanctuary is open every day from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. Official website: www.gattidiroma.net

Entrance at Largo di Torre Argentina, corner of Via Florida & Via di Torre Argentina. Visitors are always welcome to visit the cat shop or adopt one of the cats at a distance.

Also another Roman cat sanctuary is at the Protestant Cemetery near the Pyramid of Cestius.

Hotel Torre Argentina Relais

Hotel Torre Argentina Relais is located in Largo Argentina, and offers beautiful spacious rooms with all the amenities needed to improve your Roman holiday. There is a bar, restaurant, room massage reservation, transfer upon request, and many other services. Moreover, its location will allow you to reach all the city’s main historic sites within walking distance. Prices start from 150 euros per night for 2 people.

Largo di Torre Argentina is one of the most popular sites in Rome. Every day, you can notice tourists and locals standing there and admiring cats who live among ruins. The place is magnificent and has a rich history, so it is worth visiting.

Author: Artur Jakucewicz

I have lived in Rome for over 10 years and am glad to share my experience and knowledge. I love ancient history and architecture — author of travel guides in Italy for independent travelers.

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