Added By Annetta Black
Roman Cat Sanctuary - Atlas Obscura
About
In Rome the cats have an ancient temple-complex all to themselves.
Known as Largo di Torre Argentina, this archaeological wonder was excavated as part of Mussolini's rebuilding efforts in 1929, revealing 4 Republican victory-temples that lie sunken 20 feet below modern street level. In addition to the remains of 4 different temples, Torre Argentina also contains part of the famous portico of Pompey.
Today, volunteers at Torre Argentina care for approximately 130 cats, many of which are disabled or suffer from illness. After the site was excavated, Rome's feral cats moved in immediately, as they do all over the city, & the gattare, or cat ladies, began feeding & caring for them. Since the mid-1990s, the population has grown from about 90 to a peak of 250, & the organization has ramped up with care for sick or wounded cats, as well as an extensive spay & neuter program to keep the feral population in check. Most of the permanent residents have special needs—they are blind or missing legs or came from abusive homes.
On any given afternoon a small crowd gathers here to watch the cats sunbathe on ancient pillars & steps. At first it may be hard to spot the cats, but once you start to see them, they are everywhere. Visitors can admire the cats & their ruins from street level, or head down the steps to the underground office to volunteer, peruse the gift shop, donate, & even adopt cats.
There is another Roman cat sanctuary located at the Protestant Cemetery, near the Pyramid of Cestius.
Cute Critter Pics:
