Largo di Torre Argentina is an open-air archaeological site in central Rome, at Via di S. Nicola de' Cesarini. From the square’s perimeter, you can look down on the remains of four ancient temples and part of Pompey’s Theatre. The site is associated with the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC, in the Curia of Pompey. A cat sanctuary among the ruins adds a present-day layer to the visit. Walk around the square for a brief history stop, or look into ticketed access to the ruins below street level.
Temples below street level
The archaeological area sits below the modern square. Its remains include four temples from the Roman Republican period and part of Pompey’s Theatre. From the perimeter, you can look down at columns, stone walls and other traces of the ancient buildings; ticketed access allows a closer visit among the ruins.
The temples were dedicated to important deities, including Fortuna and Feronia. The site was excavated after houses were demolished during redevelopment of the block in the 1920s. Its open-air setting puts the remains in full view of the surrounding city.
The Curia of Pompey and the cats
The ruins are linked to the Curia of Pompey, a meeting hall associated with the Theatre of Pompey. Julius Caesar was assassinated there on the Ides of March in 44 BC. The remains help place that event within the ancient complex, rather than in the later Senate House often associated with the story.
Today, a cat sanctuary occupies part of the archaeological area. Cats live among the ruins, cared for by volunteers. Give them room as you look around, and avoid threatening or disturbing them.
Perguntas frequentes
What can you see at Largo di Torre Argentina?
The site contains remains of four ancient temples and part of Pompey’s Theatre, including the Curia associated with Julius Caesar’s assassination. A cat sanctuary is also located among the ruins.
Can you enter the ruins?
You can view the archaeological area from around the square. Ticketed access is available for a closer visit among the ruins.
Where is Largo di Torre Argentina?
It is in central Rome, at Via di S. Nicola de' Cesarini. The Pantheon is nearby.
