Area Sacra di Largo Argentina

About

The Area Sacra di Largo Argentina, also known as Largo di Torre Argentina, lies in the heart of Rome’s ancient Campus Martius and is the site of four Roman Republican temples (A‑D) and the remains of Pompey’s Theatre. The square is famous for the location where Julius Caesar was assassinated in the Curia of Pompey, a fact that has made it a place of both historical importance and tourist interest. Archaeological work in the early 20th century uncovered the temples and the marble head of a statue, while later excavations revealed the theater’s foundations. In 1927 the discovery of a colossal head and arms of a marble statue underscored the importance of the site. Today the ruins are open to the public, and the site’s layout allows visitors to walk freely through the ancient structures. Modern visitors also encounter the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, a no‑kill shelter that operates within Temple D and offers sterilization and adoption programs for the cats that roam the ruins. Visitors can explore the ruins on short guided walks that are typically free, making the area accessible to anyone interested in the layers of Rome’s past. Situated on a prominent stretch of the historic Via di S. Nicola de’ Cesarini, Largo di Torre Argentina is a highlight of Rome’s archaeological boulevard and can be visited any day of the week. The site remains open for public visitation largely uninterrupted, offering a unique glimpse into Rome’s republican era.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes