Cats Slumber on Caesar’s Grave – Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary

Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary

The sacred ruins where Julius Caesar met his brutal end.

If you’ve heard of Julius Caesar and the Ides of March, you’ll be familiar with the home to hundreds of Rome’s most lovable feline strays. The Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary is in the square of Largo di Torre Argentina, the place where Julius Caesar met his brutal end on March 15, 44BC. Some of the oldest temples in Rome (400-300 BC) share sacred space with these furry friends. This historic area of the Republic where famous emperors and politicians once ruled is now a thriving Roman Cat Colony and well worth a visit on your next trip to Rome.

Oh, to be a Torre Argentina Cat in Roma…

A cat’s eye view…

Inside the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, you’ll find an impressive collection of comfy beds to curl up and sleep soundly; but beware – those humans may find you irresistible and try to pet your head! So annoying when you’re just trying to nap.

Inside is also where you’ll find the bowls…these contain every manner of deliciousness that you do not – I repeat, do NOT have to kill for yourself. It’s there every single day! I keep checking back daily, and so far, so good…because it seems too wonderful to be true!

Outside is nice, too. Here you are free to snooze in the shade or pop up from hidden underground labyrinths to search for a sunny spot to groom. Jumping is allowed! No one bothers you – except those pesky humans with their cameras who just won’t let you sleep!

Jumping from columns dating back to 200BC!

Or just snoozing in the sun…

Thanks to a dedicated and delightful group of international volunteers, these Roman kitties are spayed, neutered and vaccinated. If they come in from the streets a bit worse for wear, their medical needs are quickly met and they are then freely given a home to call their own.

Due to the ongoing financial support of the Anglo Italian Society for the Protection of Animals (AISPA) in London, as well as contributions from other groups around the world, this refuge for abandoned Roman strays has been taking care of cats for over 15 years!

If you’re visiting Rome, stop by Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary for a dose of purrs, cuddles, and head butts – and to thank those wonderful individuals who give of their own time so that some of God’s creatures can live a better life.

The entrance to the underground sanctuary and heart of the operation is located at the corner of Via Florida and Via Di Torre Argentina, where Via Arenula connects. Just a 5-minute walk from the Pantheon. Look for the stairs going down.

Torre Argentina Cat Colony is open to the public daily from noon to 6pm EVERY day of the year.

For those of us who want to support the efforts of Torre Argentina from afar, the “Adoption from a Distance” program is purrfect (sorry, couldn’t help myself!) 😉 A symbolic act to help ensure goodies and medical care are plentiful for all of the cats and to keep a furry piece of Rome in your heart wherever in the world you might live.

I think I may have fallen in love with 3-legged Orcetta…you can read her story HERE!

Follow the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary on Facebook at Gatti di Roma or on the web at www.romancats.com. The felines of Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary are waiting for you!