Largo di Torre Argentina

Why Visit Largo di Torre Argentina?

Largo di Torre Argentina is one of Rome's most unique archaeological sites — a sunken square containing four Republican-era Roman temples dating from the 4th to 2nd century BCE. What makes it truly special is the colony of roughly a hundred-plus rescue cats that have made these ancient ruins their home, plus its proximity to the Curia of Pompey, where Julius Caesar was murdered.

Four Republican Temples

Labeled A, B, C, D — among the oldest standing in Rome.

Cat Sanctuary

Roughly a hundred-plus rescue cats living among ancient ruins.

Caesar's Assassination Site

The Curia of Pompey, where Julius Caesar was killed on 15 March 44 BCE, lies at the site's western edge.

Free to View

Street-level viewing 24/7; walk inside for €7 (€4 reduced).

The Four Temples: Deep-Dive

Archaeologists labelled the temples A, B, C, D before identifying them. Here's what each one is — read this and the sunken plaza suddenly makes sense.

Temple A — commonly identified as Juturna

Northernmost. Traditionally associated with Juturna, goddess of fountains, and linked to Quintus Lutatius Catulus's 241 BCE naval victory. Later converted to the medieval Church of San Nicola dei Cesarini — the brick apse is still visible.

Temple B — Fortuna Huiusce Diei

The round temple. Dedicated to 'Fortune of This Day' by general Catulus to celebrate his victory at Vercellae (101 BCE). The colossal cult statue's head, arms, and feet are now in the Capitoline Museums.

Temple C — traditionally associated with Feronia

The oldest, possibly 4th century BCE. Traditionally associated with Feronia, an ancient Italic goddess of wildlife and freedom — freed slaves are said to have received their pileus (cap of liberty) here.

Temple D — commonly identified as Lares Permarini

Largest, but mostly buried under modern Via Florida. Commonly identified as dedicated to the Lares Permarini, sea-protector gods, linked to Lucius Aemilius Regillus's 190 BCE naval battle.

Curia of Pompey

At the western edge of the complex, behind Temple B — not inside any of the four temples. The rectangular brick foundations are the meeting hall where the Senate convened on 15 March 44 BCE, and where Caesar was assassinated. Walled up by Augustus after the murder.

The medieval tower

The 'Torre' in Argentina refers to the Torre del Papito, the small medieval tower on the south-east corner — not Argentina the country. 'Argentina' comes from Strasbourg (Argentoratum), birthplace of a 16th-century papal master of ceremonies.

Caesar's Assassination: What Actually Happened Here

On 15 March 44 BCE — the Ides of March — Julius Caesar walked into the Curia of Pompey for a Senate meeting. The regular Senate house had burned down, so meetings were held in this temporary hall attached to Pompey's theatre complex.

A group of 60+ senators led by Brutus and Cassius surrounded him. He was stabbed 23 times. Suetonius records his last words; Shakespeare gave us "Et tu, Brute?" The body lay at the foot of a statue of Pompey — Caesar's old rival.

Augustus, Caesar's heir, was so disturbed by what happened here that he had the curia walled up forever. The brick footprint of the sealed hall — not part of any of the four temples — is still there, at the western edge of the site, just behind Temple B.

The Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary

Founded in 1993 by Lia Dequel and Silvia Viviani, the no-kill sanctuary cares for a colony that varies in size — roughly a hundred-plus cats — living among the ruins. They neuter, vaccinate, and adopt out — and you can help.

Visit the Shelter

Hours are set by the sanctuary and can change — check their official site before you go. Entry via the staircase on the south-east corner. Free, donations welcome.

Adopt a Cat (Remotely)

From any country, you can sponsor a specific resident cat for €15/month. The volunteers send updates and photos.

Best Cat-Spotting Hours

Around feeding (5–6 PM) is the most active. Mornings are sleepier — cats nap on warm temple stones.

Volunteer or Donate

The sanctuary runs entirely on donations. Cash, card, and online giving accepted at the entrance.

Best Photo Spots

North-east corner railing

Best free viewpoint of the round Temple B columns with cats often draped over the ancient stones.

Inside the new walkway

Eye-level shots of the temple bases from the 2023 archaeological path — book a timed slot online to avoid buying on-site (capacity and security checks still apply).

Via di Torre Argentina staircase

Cat sanctuary entrance — close-ups of resident cats with the medieval Torre del Papito behind.

Tram 8 rails view

Wide shot from the south side capturing the whole sunken square against the modern city — classic 'Rome in layers' frame.

Largo Argentina vs Other Free Roman Ruins

Rome has several free open-air archaeological sites. Here's how Largo Argentina compares.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Thinking Caesar was killed in the Forum

He wasn't. The 'Et tu, Brute?' moment happened here at the Curia of Pompey, at the western edge of the complex — not inside one of the four temples — 700 m from the Roman Forum. Look for the brick rectangle behind Temple B.

2. Skipping the cat sanctuary entrance

The shelter visit is free and unforgettable, though hours vary — check the sanctuary's site first. Most tourists never go down the staircase on the south-east corner.

3. Visiting only at street level since 2023

Since June 2023 you can actually walk inside the ruins for €7 (€4 reduced), entered in 20-minute timed intervals. The view from the new walkways is dramatically better than from above.

4. Confusing 'Argentina' with the country

It's named after Strasbourg (Argentoratum) — the home city of the 16th-century papal official whose palace stood here. Nothing to do with South America.

5. Not feeding the cats... properly

The volunteers ask visitors NOT to bring food. The cats are on a managed diet. Donations of cash or supplies via the shelter are welcomed instead.

Pair Your Visit

Largo Argentina sits at the geographic centre of historic Rome. Three of the city's best stops are a five-minute walk away.

Nearby Tickets & Tours

Compare official ticket options for nearby paid attractions like the Stadium of Domitian under Piazza Navona.

Stadium of Domitian Underground

Best for: History lovers

Descend beneath Piazza Navona to explore the ancient Stadium of Domitian where 30,000 Romans once watched athletic competitions. A hidden archaeological treasure most visitors walk over without knowing.

• Underground ruins access
• Ancient stadium remains
• Live guided tour available
• Multiple language options

🎟️ Compare Prices:

Guided Walking Tour

Best for: First-time visitors

Expert-led walking tour covering Piazza Navona's Baroque fountains, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps. Perfect introduction to Rome's historic center highlights.

• Professional English-speaking guide
• Navona + Pantheon + Trevi Fountain
• Bernini & Baroque art insights
• Small group experience

🎟️ Compare Prices:

Navona Underground + Bundles

Best for: Full experience seekers

Combine Navona Underground with Trevi Fountain guided tour, Pantheon advance timed ticket entry, or Museum of Rome. Save time and money with bundled experiences.

• Underground + second attraction
• Skip-the-line entry included
• Save vs. separate bookings
• Museum of Rome option available

🎟️ Compare Prices:

Where to Stay Near Largo di Torre Argentina

Looking for convenient accommodation near Largo di Torre Argentina? Stay within walking distance to make the most of your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Largo di Torre Argentina?

An archaeological site with four Republican-era Roman temples (4th–2nd century BCE). Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BCE in the Curia of Pompey, whose remains lie at the western edge of the complex, not inside one of the temples. It's also home to a famous cat sanctuary, whose colony numbers roughly a hundred-plus cats.

Is Largo Argentina free?

Viewing the ruins from street level is always free. Walking inside the excavated archaeological area costs €7 full price / €4 reduced for non-residents (plus a €1 advance-booking fee); it's free for Rome & Metropolitan City residents with qualifying ID, and free on the first Sunday of the month subject to capacity. The cat sanctuary is free and accepts donations.

When is the cat sanctuary open?

Hours are set by the sanctuary and can change, so check their official site before you go. Entry is via the staircase on the south-east corner. Volunteers run guided visits and you can even adopt a cat remotely.

Where exactly was Caesar killed?

In the Curia of Pompey, the rectangular hall attached to the Theatre of Pompey, whose remains lie at the western edge of the complex, just west of Temple B — not inside one of the four temples. The brick foundations of the curia are still visible inside the site.

How long should I spend here?

About 45 minutes covers a perimeter walk, cat-spotting, and entry into the archaeological area, which is controlled in 20-minute timed intervals.

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