Largo di Torre Argentina

Largo di Torre Argentina

Largo di Torre Argentina offers a unique blend of ancient history, archaeological exploration, and a touch of modern-day care for the feline residents. It is a fascinating stop for those interested in both Roman history and the preservation of urban wildlife.

Largo di Torre Argentina is a large open space in Rome, Italy, with four Roman Republican temples and the remains of Pompey’s Theatre. It is in the ancient Campus Martius.

The name of the square comes from the Torre Argentina, which takes its name from the city of Strasbourg whose Latin name was Argentoratum. In 1503, the Papal Master of Ceremonies Johannes Burckardt, who came from Strasbourg and was known as “Argentinus”, built in via del Sudario a palace (now at number 44), called Casa del Burcardo, to which the tower is annexed.

Julius Caesar was assassinated in the Curia of Pompey, and the spot where he is believed to have been assassinated is in the square.

After Italian unification, it was decided to reconstruct part of Rome (1909), demolishing the zone of Torre Argentina. However, during the demolition work in 1927, the colossal head and arms of a marble statue were discovered. The archaeological investigation brought to light the presence of a holy area, dating to the Republican era, with four temples and part of Pompey’s Theatre.

In 2019, Rome’s mayor Virginia Raggi announced that walkways would be installed in the site allowing the general public to tour the ruins for the first time. Largo di Torre Argentina is a square in Rome, Italy, known for its archaeological significance.

1. Location:
   • Largo di Torre Argentina is located in the historic center of Rome, near the Pantheon. The square is situated in the Campus Martius area.
2. Archaeological Site:
   • The square is home to a significant archaeological site featuring the remains of four Roman Republican temples and the Theatre of Pompey. These structures date back to the 4th to 1st centuries BCE.
3. Roman Republican Temples:
   • The temples in Largo di Torre Argentina are the Temples A, B, C, and D. They were discovered during excavations in the 1920s and are believed to have been dedicated to various Roman gods.
4. Theatre of Pompey:
   • The Theatre of Pompey, one of the most important theaters in ancient Rome, is also partially located in Largo di Torre Argentina. This is the same theater where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BCE.
5. Cat Sanctuary:
   • In an interesting juxtaposition, Largo di Torre Argentina is home to a cat sanctuary. The ruins provide a habitat for a population of stray cats cared for by volunteers. The sanctuary has become a popular spot for cat lovers and tourists.
6. Accessibility:
   • While visitors can observe the archaeological site from the street level, access to the actual ruins is limited. However, the presence of the cat sanctuary has made the square an attraction in its own right.
7. Historical Significance:
   • The archaeological findings in Largo di Torre Argentina provide valuable insights into the architecture and urban layout of ancient Rome during the Republican period.
8. Restoration Efforts:
   • Over the years, there have been restoration efforts to preserve and protect the ancient structures. The site is also monitored for ongoing archaeological research.
9. Connection to Julius Caesar:
   • The Theatre of Pompey in Largo di Torre Argentina is historically significant as the place where Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March (March 15) in 44 BCE.
10. Surrounding Area:
    • Largo di Torre Argentina is centrally located, and its surroundings include other notable landmarks, such as the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Campo de’ Fiori.