The Sacred Area at the Largo di Torre Argentina is a complex of ruins in the center of Rome. It lies several feet below the present street level and is especially known for its cat sanctuary.
A brief history of the sacred area of Largo di Torre Argentina in Rome
The area was discovered by chance, between 1926 and 1928 when road works were carried out.
Since there is no certainty about the function and exact age of the 4 temples that were brought to light, they are simply identified through the letters A, B, C and D.
Temple A
Temple A is the northernmost temple and dates back to the 3rd century B.C. During the Middle Ages, it was incorporated into the church of San Nicola de’ Calcarario. It is thought to be the temple of Juno Curitis or Diuturna and on its northern side the ruins of a large portico are visible. This portico was called the Hecastylon because it consisted of one hundred columns. Behind this temple the ruins of a latrine belonging to the nearby portico of the Theater of Pompey (which has unfortunately been reduced to nothing) are visible.
Temple B
The most recent of the four temples is Temple B. This temple was most likely dedicated to the Fortuna del Giorno Presente or “Luck of the Current Day” (Fortuna huiusce diei). Near temple B, a partly marble and partly bronze statue has been found, supposedly a depiction of the god worshipped in it.
Temple C
Temple C is the oldest of the four and is probably the Temple of Feronia. Feronia was an Italic divinity who was worshipped by the Sabines. The temple is thought to have been constructed by Curius Dentatus after his victory over the Sabines (290 BC).
Also part of the Theater of Pompey was the quadrangular exedra between temples B and C. This was the Curia of the Theater and it is here that Julius Caesar was killed (44 BC).
Temple D
Temple D was also built in the beginning of the third century BC. and has been identified as the Temple of the Nymphs or the temple of the Lari Per Marini. It is largely covered by the Via Florida.
Behind temples A and B are some chambers that belonged to the Administration of the Water Supply Office of Rome (Statio acquarum).
In the middle ages the philosopher Severinus Boethius is thought to have started a monastery on the grounds, of which there is but little trace left, whereas between the 8th and the 9th century important families built their residences there. A church, San Nicola de’ Calcarario, was built inside Temple A, the 12th century altar and the frescoes in the apse of which are still visible. The church owes its name to the ovens for the production of lime (calce, in Italian) in its immediate surroundings. The church was destroyed in the twenties and the only medieval monument still standing is the Torre del Papito, in front of temple D.
Porticus Minucia Fumentaria
Underneath the modern staircase leading into the area is the Porticus Minucia Frumentaria, a portico where wheat was given to poor Romans. The pavement is made of Travertine marble and dates back to the reign of Emperor Domitian (81-86 A.D.).
Torre del Papito
The Torre del Papito on the south-east corner probably owes its name to the Papareschi family who built it in the 14th century. Subsequent owners were the Boccamazzi and the Cesarini. The tower used to be surrounded by other buildings, which were demolished in 1941. The architect overseeing these works, Antonio Muñoz, was also responsible for a renovation of the tower. To add the medieval portico, he used columns and capitals from a building that was destroyed during the construction of the Via delle Botteghe Oscure. The interior consists of four floors, connected by a wooden staircase. The ground floor is decorated with architectural elements taken from the church of San Nicola de’ Calcario, plus the coats of arms of the families that used to own it. The coat of arms near the entrance can be seen near the entrance. The Torre serves as the ticket office of the sacred area.
What to know before your visit
Address and public transport
The Area Sacra di Largo di Torre Argentina lies between the Via Florida, the Via di San Nicola de’ Cesarini, the Via di Torre Argentina and Largo Argentina itself. Although the Torre del Papito has an internal staircase leading to the excavations, the actual entrance is in the Via di San Nicola de’ Cesarini.
The nearest bus stop is Argentina (lines 30, 40, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 190F, 492, 628, 916, 916F and night buses n46, n70, n98, n904 and n913).
Opening times Area Sacra di Largo Argentina
The monument is open every day except Mondays, 1 May, 25 December.
- Last Sunday in March till last Saturday in October: From 09:30 till 19:00.
- Last Sunday in October till last Saturday in March: From 09:30 till 16:00.
- January 1: From 11:00 till 16:00.
- December 24 and 31: From 09:30 till 14:00.
Note that the last admission is one hour before closing time.
Tickets
- Adults: 7 Euros (4 Euros for residents).
- Non residents between ages 6 and 25: 4 Euros (3 Euros for residents).
- Free: Rome residents younger than 18; anybody below the age of 6; MIC-card holders (only for Rome residents).
- Roma Pass: Valid.
- Visitors with disabilities: Free entrance, also for one family member/carer. There is a special lift for wheelchairs.
Online Largo di Torre Argentina tickets
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