Torre Argentina (Roman Cat Sanctuary) – Rome, Italy - Atlas Obscura

Torre Argentina (Roman Cat Sanctuary)

Hundreds of lucky felines haunt the ruins where Caesar was murdered. 

3029
3917

In Rome the cats have an ancient temple-complex all to themselves.

Known as Largo di Torre Argentina, this archaeological wonder was excavated as part of Mussolini’s rebuilding efforts in 1929, revealing four Republican victory-temples that lie sunken 20 feet below modern street level.  In addition to the remains of four different temples, Torre Argentina also contains part of the famous portico of Pompey.

Today, volunteers at Torre Argentina care for approximately 130 cats, many of which are disabled or suffer from illness. After the site was excavated, Rome’s feral cats moved in immediately, as they do all over the city, and the gattare, or cat ladies, began feeding and caring for them. Since the mid-1990s, the population has grown from about 90 to a peak of 250, and the organization has ramped up with care for sick or wounded cats, as well as an extensive spay and neuter program to keep the feral population in check. Most of the permanent residents have special needs—they are blind or missing legs or came from abusive homes.

On any given afternoon a small crowd gathers here to watch the cats sunbathe on ancient pillars and steps. At first it may be hard to spot the cats, but once you start to see them, they are everywhere. Visitors can admire the cats and their ruins from street level, or head down the steps to the underground office to volunteer, peruse the gift shop, donate, and even adopt cats.

There is another Roman cat sanctuary located at the Protestant Cemetery, near the Pyramid of Cestius.

Know Before You Go

Entrance at Largo di Torre Argentina, corner of Via Florida & Via di Torre Argentina. The ladies who work here are very friendly to everyone. If you do spend any time within the closed off area where the wounded and aged cats stay (who are also very friendly to all), please consider a donation to the Sanctuary.

In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web