Torre Argentina - Roman Cat Sanctuary
Hundreds of lucky felines haunt the ruins where Caesar was murdered
Category Fascinating Fauna
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 extensive multi-level temples that lie sunken 20 feet below modern street level. Besides several different temples, Torre Argentina also contains part of the famous Theater of Pompey, upon whose steps dictator Julius Caesar was betrayed and killed in 44 BCE.
Today, volunteers at Torre Argentina care for approximately 250 cats. 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 the current 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, volunteer, and even adopt cats.
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- Hours Daily, noon to 6 PM
- Website Roman Cats - Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary
- Address Via di Torre Argentina , Rome, Italy
- Cost Free, donations welcome
Entrance at Largo di Torre Argentina, corner of Via Florida & Via di Torre Argentina
Comments
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Anonymous
October 5, 2009
Would like to visit and have a private audience with the Pope about animals. -
Anonymous
September 14, 2009
Very nice site!
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Anonymous
June 28, 2009
I was there a few months ago and unlike the commenter above didn't see any trash. Also, just a small correction to the article. During certain hours you are able to walk down into the area where the cats are fed and cared for. It isn't the best smelling spot but you can pet some of the friendly cats down there.
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Anonymous
June 28, 2009
http://www.resqcats.org/
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Anonymous
June 28, 2009
http://www.hemingwayhome.com/HTML/our_cats.htm
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Anonymous
June 27, 2009
I saw it two weeks ago in the person whilst roaming around rome. the perimeter of the grounds were covered with trash.
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Anonymous
June 27, 2009
I'm reminded of the Public garden in Buenos Aires Argentina that also has a population of wild cats that live there. It's a beautiful place. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buenos_Aires_Botanical_Garden
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