Largo di Torre Argentina | Rome

Largo di Torre Argentina is an ancient archaeological site located in the former Campus Martius in Rome, Italy, known for its four Republican-era temples and its association with the death of Julius Caesar.

Visual Characteristics

The site is a sunken rectangular area containing the stone foundations and remaining columns of four distinct Roman temples (labeled A, B, C, and D). It is surrounded by modern street levels and a perimeter walkway. A notable feature is the presence of a large population of stray cats living among the ruins, supported by an on-site sanctuary.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Largo di Torre Argentina, 00186 Roma RM.

Transport: Major bus hub. Served by lines 40, 64, 70, 81, 87, and Tram 8. No direct Metro access; nearest stations are Colosseo (Line B) or Spagna (Line A), both roughly 15 minutes away by foot.

Access: The ruins can be viewed for free from the street level. Access to the walkway at the excavation level requires a paid ticket.

Operating Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 09:30 to 19:00 (summer) or 16:00 (winter). Closed Mondays.

Historical Origin

The temples date from the 4th to the 2nd century BC. The site is historically significant as it contains the remains of the Curia of Pompey, the meeting hall where Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March in 44 BC. The name "Argentina" is derived from the city of Strasbourg (Argentoratum), the birthplace of Johannes Burckardt, a 15th-century papal master of ceremonies who built a tower nearby.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Four Temples: Each built to commemorate different Roman military victories.

Curia of Pompey: The specific site of Caesar's assassination is located behind Temples B and C, now partially covered by the street Via di Torre Argentina.

Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary: Located in the southwest corner of the ruins, providing care, sterilization, and adoption services for the site's feline residents.

Night Illumination: The ruins are lit at night, emphasizing the layers of Roman history.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Accessibility: The street-level viewing area is fully wheelchair accessible. The excavation-level walkway includes an elevator for accessible entry.

Connectivity: 5G signal is excellent.

Services: Public drinking fountain (nasone) and restrooms are available nearby.

Facts & Legends

The site remained buried until 1926, when demolition of medieval houses for urban redevelopment revealed the colossal head and arms of a marble statue.

Nearby Landmarks

Pantheon: 0.4km North.

Piazza Navona: 0.5km Northwest.

Campo de' Fiori: 0.4km West.

Piazza Venezia: 0.5km East.