Largo di Torre Argentina, Archaeological square in central Rome, Italy
Largo di Torre Argentina is an archaeological square in central Rome where four Republican-era temples and parts of an ancient theater sit several meters below the current street level. The rectangular excavation area is surrounded by roads on all sides and displays foundations, columns and marble fragments from different building phases.
The temple complex was built between the third and first century BC and served different Roman deities. Mussolini ordered the area excavated in the 1920s, demolishing medieval buildings to expose the ancient structures.
The name refers to the tower of the Burcardo family from Argentoratum, present-day Strasbourg, which stood here during medieval times. Visitors today come for the Roman ruins, while locals use the square as a shortcut between busy streets.
A raised walkway runs through the ruins and allows direct access to the temple foundations, which were previously only viewable from above. Panels along the path explain the architectural details and help make sense of the remains.
Dozens of cats live among the columns and foundations, cared for by volunteers who maintain a small shelter in one corner of the excavation. Visitors often see the animals napping on ancient stones or wandering between the temples.
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