Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary

More photos

Largo di Torre Argentina

The Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary is in the Largo di Torre Argentina (above), a "sacred area" with Roman temples and other ruins that were excavated in the late 1920s.

Rome's no 8 tram at Torre Argentina

Rome's number 8 tram line ends at Torre Argentina, just west of the shelter.

Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary sign

To find the Cat Sanctuary, look for this sign at the southwestern corner of the square. (The shelter is at the corner of Via Florida and Via Arenula, next to the tram line.)

Stairway to Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary

A metal staircase leads down to the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, which is on the same level as the Roman temple excavations. (Watch out for felines underfoot as you descend the steps.)

Cats in Torre Argentina cat shelter

At the bottom of the steps, cats snooze and play on a small patio. (These cats are lounging under a table laden with toys, gifts, and and other cat-related items from the shelter's charity shop.)

Cat inside the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary

Inside the shelter, you'll see more cats. This floppy feline is catching 40 winks in the sanctuary's kitchen.

Largo di Torre Argentina with tourists

Steps in the Largo di Torre Argentina

Back at ground level, another staircase gives access to a platform where you can view the Largo di Torre Argentina's temple excavations close up. (You'll also see many of the approximately 350 cats that live in the Cat Sanctuary, since healthy cats are allowed to wander freely in the ruins.)

Cat at Largo di Torre Argentina

Cat at Torre Argentina

Cat in Roman ruins

Cat in wall niche

Cat on Roman column

If you're allergic to cats, you've come to the wrong place.

The Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary discourages feeding of the cats. Instead, you can leave a cash donation at the shelter, which will help to pay for healthy cat food and veterinary care.

Cat stalking pedestrian in Rome

Cat with pedestrians in Rome

Kitten in Largo di Torre Argentina

Cat at Largo di Torre Argentina

Not all of the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary's residents stay in the ruins: Many prefer to wander around the square's walls and sidewalks, stalking pedestrians or enjoying the view.

Striped cat in Rome

When you're in Rome, don't miss out on a chance to visit the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, which is open from noon to 6 p.m. daily.

For videos of the shelter and its cats, please see page 3 of this article.

Next page: Videos of the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary

In this article:

Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary

Photos

Videos

Also see:

Hotel della Torre Argentina - Review

Rome Trams - Includes a video of the Largo di Torre Argentina

"Best of the Web"
- Forbes and The Washington Post

More resources:

Need a car in Europe?

Auto Europe guarantees the lowest rental rates for standard cars, sports cars, SUVs, luxury cars, chauffered sedans, and RVs. Its Web site also has driving information for 38 countries.

If you live outside the EU, a tax-free Renault or Peugeot tourist lease can be cheaper than renting. Minimum driver age is 18, there' s no upper age limit, and rates include insurance. See: Short-term car leasing.

Related site:

Gondolier in Venice

Venice for Visitors
"The premier visitors' site for Venice, Italy."
- PC Magazine

| Europe for Visitors | Venice for Visitors | Europe for Cruisers |