Torre Argentina: The Purr-fect Tail of Roman Ruins and the Kitties who Inhabit Them
Ladies and gentlemen, cat aficionados and history buffs, gather round for a tail that will surprise and thrill you! Dating back to ancient times, 44 B.C. to be precise, Largo di Torre Argentina, the historic Roman site where Julius Caesar is believed to have been assassinated, is a place rich in history... and cat hairs. It’s a public square featuring the ruins of four Roman Republican Temples, but more importantly, it is now home to a thriving community of felines!
The Cat's Move into the Ruins
Once upon a time, in the heart of downtown Rome, the Area Sacra of Largo di Torre Argentina stood still, its ruins echoing the whispers of Roman history for centuries… all the way to the roaring 1920s. At this point in time, ancient world sites were being excavated all over the world, with their unique treasures plundered, and Rome was a popular target.
Largo di Torre Argentina was no different, and post-excavation, Rome’s feral feline community moved in full-time, ready to claim their historic residence.
The Cat Sanctuary Chronicles
Fast forward to today, and behold the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, a lovingly crafted cat haven managed by the formidable Gattare, the unsung heroes of Italy's cat kingdom. These honourable Roman cat ladies have turned Torre Argentina into a safe space for Rome's feral feline misfits, running a top-notch spa (for the cats, of course) as well as a spay and neuter program.
Not everyone has been thrilled about the feline community, though. In 2012, Italian archeologists claimed the sanctuary was a threat to the ancient monuments, however, the Gattare stood their ground, boasting a staggering 29,000 spays and neuters over 20 years. The impact on the community was undeniable and the Gattare prevailed, with the cats still living there to this day.
Cat-tastic Tourism
In a twist fit for a Roman drama, in 2001, the city officially recognized the cats at Torre Argentina as part of its "bio-cultural heritage". Now, as the site welcomes tourists once again, the sanctuary is a star attraction.
Cats of Instagram and Virtual Adoptions
But wait, there's more! The sanctuary, embracing the modern world, has its own Instagram account (@gattiditorreargentina) with almost 14,000 followers! It’s a great place to virtually meet the site’s feline residents in some stunningly beautiful photographs.
If you can't bring a cat home, fear not! The sanctuary's "adoption at a distance program" lets you support your furry friends from afar! It's like having a cat pen pal in ancient Rome who you can support and ensure they live a good life.
Final Thoughts
As tourists flock to marvel at ancient Roman artifacts and soak in some of the world’s most fascinating history, the cats of Torre Argentina gracefully share the limelight. Almost living a life closer to our ancestors than we do today, these kitties dart in and out of ancient ruins, just as the children of Rome once did thousands of years ago.
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The Hervey Foundation for Cats is a federally registered nonprofit animal rescue located in Alberta, Canada. If you are interested in supporting their mission to rescue cats in need and provide them with a home environment to live the rest of their days, please click the donate button at the top of the page! All donations are eligible for a tax receipt.