Why Rome's Most Famous Cats Live Among Ancient Ruins

As you wander among the ruins In Largo di Torre Argentina, where senators and emperors once walked, you can now meet the new rulers of the place: Rome’s cats, free to roam, lovingly cared for, and adored by tourists and volunteers.

But why have hundreds of cats chosen this particular corner of the capital as their home? The answer lies in the story of the Torre Argentina colony, now known as one of the most atmospheric places in Rome to meet some charming four-legged locals.

In this guide, you’ll discover the history of the cats of Torre Argentina, how the sanctuary works, and why a visit can be one of the fluffiest experiences not to miss in 2026.

In the heart of Rome, therefore, among the ancient ruins of Largo di Torre Argentina, lives one of the most enchanting and populous colonies of cats in the city, consisting of about 200 specimens.

In this historic site, consisting of the remains of ancient temples and the Curia of Pompey, the place where the Roman Senate met and Julius Caesar was assassinated, cats have found a refuge of their own, creating a unique link between history and daily life.

Some of these wonderful animals, although only a few, began to inhabit the area naturally in the early 1920s and 1930s, likely drawn by the fact that the ruins were rarely visited.

Today, thanks to the constant dedication of volunteers, the Torre Argentina cat colony has become an urban feline population lovingly managed, where the cats receive care and attention, and a form of prevention is carried out to control their numbers.

But what is its charm? For feline lovers, Torre Argentina is a small paradise: in fact, here you can observe and interact with the furriest and most historic condominium in Rome while walking among important and famous finds from the end of the Republican era.

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But what is the history of the Sanctuary of cats in Rome? We have said that in the twenties of the twentieth century, during the excavations to renovate a Roman district, the remains of these ancient buildings were brought to light.

Soon after, the first stray cats began to wander through the ruins, finding a quiet refuge away from the chaos of the city. As the years passed, the people of the neighborhood, especially some women who were passionate about these animals, began to take care of them by bringing food and care.

By the 1990s, two more women, Lia Dequel and Silvia Viviani, decided to organize the care of the Torre Argentina cats in a more structured way, as the number of cats was steadily increasing. They also received support from a British animal protection organization, which helped them manage the shelter using tried and tested methods.

Thanks in part to the site's visibility—being in a tourist-heavy area—the Sanctuary attracted volunteers from Italy and around the world, and raised funds to continue its work. Today, the shelter not only houses and protects the Roman feline colony, but also promotes sterilization and healthcare initiatives to help control stray cat populations across the city.

Despite the bureaucratic complications due to their location in a protected archaeological area, the cats of ancient Rome continue to live thanks to the commitment of volunteers and the support of those who love animals.

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In our view, a visit to the ruins of Torre Argentina offers three different experiences: a cultural one, an emotional one, as you can spend time petting and photographing the cats, and finally a meaningful one — no less important—as even a small donation can help support their care and well-being.

We have already mentioned that the Torre Argentina Excavations are an archaeological area in the center of Rome, where the remains of four Roman temples and part of the Theatre of Pompey can be found.

Until recently, the area was only visible from the outside, but since 2023 it has been open to the public with walkways that allow you to walk among the ruins. To access it, you can buy tickets online or directly at the site.

The entrance to the Sacred Area of Largo di Torre Argentina is located on Via di San Nicola De' Cesarini, in front of house number 10.

The ticket office is located at the Torre del Papito, in Piazza dei Calcarari, a short distance from the main entrance.

The area is accessible to everyone, including visitors with mobility impairments, thanks to a walkway and an elevator platform. However, there are no restrooms inside the site.

As for the experience with the cats, the Sanctuary has a public-access location on the southeast side of the archaeological area, on Via di Torre Argentina 1.

The entrance is free, but donations are welcome. You can enter the shelter, pet the cats, take photos, and even adopt one either remotely or physically, if eligible.

Volunteers often speak English and are happy to welcome tourists.

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There are several ways to support the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary and help its volunteers.

We have already said that admission to the feline colony in Rome is free, but it is difficult for a tourist to avoid leaving a small donation because the empathy that is created with these animals is immediate.

Donations can be made online or directly at the sanctuary and help cover the costs of food, veterinary care and anything else needed to improve the cats’ well-being.

If you wish, you can also adopt a cat, either in person or from a distance, which is a wonderful way to support the sanctuary.

Finally, if you live in Rome and love cats, you can apply to become a volunteer and help with the sanctuary’s daily activities, including cleaning and caring for the cats.

You may also be interested in some additional information about the archaeological area and the cat sanctuary.

For example, the cost of the entrance ticket to the excavation is about 5 euros and the days and times of visit vary with the seasons:

From 31 March to 26 October: 9:30 am – 7:00 pm

From 29 October to 30 March: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm

Last admission: one hour before closing

Weekly closing: Monday

Extraordinary closing days: Monday, 25 December, 1 January and 1 May

Admission to the Cat Sanctuary is free and is open every day from 12:00 to 16:30.

You don't need to book in advance, but it's advisable to arrive right at the opening to avoid the crowds and have more time to observe the cats, take some nice pictures with them, give them some well-deserved pets, and maybe make a donation.

It will be a very beautiful, engaging and rewarding experience!