What is the Torre Argentina cat sanctuary in Rome?
Short answer: A volunteer-run sanctuary for cats in the ancient ruins of Largo di Torre Argentina in central Rome, home to a large number of rescued and stray cats. Italian law has protected colonies of stray cats since 1991.
Quick facts
- The site. Largo di Torre Argentina is a square in central Rome with the remains of four Roman temples, sitting below present street level.
- The sanctuary. Cats have lived among the ruins for a long time, and a volunteer-run sanctuary now looks after them, with neutering, veterinary care and adoption.
- How many. Recent accounts describe around a hundred or more cats at the site.
- Italian law. A law passed in 1991 protects stray cats and forbids killing them, and recognises colonies of free-roaming cats.
- Visiting. Visitors can watch the cats from street level, and the sanctuary is open to visitors and volunteers.
Student report
I went to Rome for the ruins and stayed for the cats. It is an environment I understand: warm stone, long views, and a great many places to sit down.
The volunteers are extraordinarily devoted, and the cats are extremely well informed about which column is warmest. I was given a place on a low wall and spent most of a very good afternoon watching the light move across a temple.
I remain in favour of ruins, in general. I would recommend one to any student who values a stone step.