Largo di Torre Argentina

Overview

Largo di Torre Argentina is a massive, fascinating sunken archaeological square sitting right in the middle of a busy modern transit hub. It contains the ruins of four ancient republican temples and, most significantly, the exact location where Julius Caesar was assassinated.

Highlights

• The Curia of Pompey: Look for the specific stone foundation at the rear of Temple B. This is the remains of the meeting hall where Caesar was stabbed 23 times on the Ides of March in 44 BC.
• The Four Temples: The site contains some of the absolute oldest ruins in Rome, dating back to the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, long before the Imperial era.
• The Cat Sanctuary: The ruins are globally famous for housing a massive, beloved, fully volunteer-run cat shelter. Hundreds of well-fed cats constantly lounge on the ancient pillars.

History

The ruins were totally buried and forgotten until the 1920s when Mussolini ordered the demolition of the overlying medieval neighborhood. The excavation shockingly revealed this massive sacred complex. Because the Senate house was burning down at the time, the Roman Senate was meeting in the Theatre of Pompey complex here on the day Caesar was killed.

Visitor Tips

• The Walkway: As of 2023, you no longer have to just look down from the street level. A new, dedicated walkway allows you to physically descend into the ruins and walk among the temples.
• The Cats: You can visit the underground cat shelter on the corner of the square to pet the residents or make a donation.
• : 30–45 minutes.