Rome’s ‘Largo Argentina’ is famous for two things: the spot where Julius Caesar might have been killed, and the colony of stray cats that live there. Visitors can currently only see the site from above, but it will open to the public next year.
Republic-era ruins
Largo Argentina, or more precisely Area Sacra di Largo Argentina is one of Rome’s many famous archaeological sites. Its buildings were built between the 1st and 4th centuries BC, during Rome’s Republic. There are four temples on the site, and a part of Pompey’s Theatre, where Caesar’s assassination likely took place.
The site was uncovered in the 1920s when medieval houses built on top of it were demolished. Since then, stray cats have made themselves at home between the ruins; around 300 of them currently live on the site. The cats are cared for by a private shelter, and don’t worry – they’ll be allowed to stay there after the renovations.
New plans
The ruins sit below street-level and can currently only be viewed from the street. Now, the site will get elevated walkways, so visitors can walk through it. There will also be an elevator, and the walkways will be illuminated as well. Work on this project is due to begin shortly and is set to finish in 2022.
Source: France24, Lonely Planet
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