Rome's oldest temples, right downtown

The Area Sacra di Largo Argentina is one of Rome's most surprising sites: a sunken archaeological square in the heart of the city, home to four temples from the Republican era — among the oldest in Rome. For decades you could only admire it from above, leaning over the railing of Largo di Torre Argentina; since 2023, a walkway lets you step down and walk among the ruins.

But the Area Sacra holds a claim to fame that makes it world-famous: this is where the Curia of Pompey once stood, the place where Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March, 44 BC. To walk this ground is to stand where history changed course.

The four temples (A, B, C, D)

At the center of the square lie the remains of four temples, labeled A, B, C, and D because their original dedications aren't entirely certain:

  • Temple C — the oldest, possibly dedicated to Feronia (an early Italic goddess).
  • Temple A — later converted, in the medieval period, into a small church.
  • Temple B — circular, the only one of its kind, possibly dedicated to Fortuna del Giorno Presente (the goddess Fortune of the Present Day).
  • Temple D — the largest, only partly excavated.

We go deeper in our guide to what to see at the Area Sacra di Largo Argentina.

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Where Julius Caesar was killed

Beside the temples stood the Curia of Pompey, the hall where the Senate met temporarily and where Caesar was stabbed to death on March 15, 44 BC. It's one of the most history-laden places in the world. We give it its own guide: where Julius Caesar was killed.

The cat sanctuary of Torre Argentina

A unique and much-loved feature: a colony of cats lives among the ruins, cared for by volunteers at the famous gattile di Torre Argentina (cat sanctuary). The cats wander among the temples, and you can adopt one or sponsor one from afar. It has become an endearing attraction, a symbol of the bond between Rome and its cats.

How much time you need

A few minutes are enough to take in the site from the railing; with the walkway that descends among the ruins, plan on roughly 30–45 minutes. It pairs perfectly with the Pantheon, Campo de' Fiori, and a stroll through the historic center.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Area Sacra di Largo Argentina? It's an archaeological site in central Rome with four temples from the Republican era, among the oldest in the city. The Curia of Pompey stood here, where Julius Caesar was assassinated.

Is it true that Caesar died here? Yes: beside the temples stood the Curia of Pompey, the hall where Julius Caesar was stabbed on the Ides of March, 44 BC.

Can you go down among the ruins? Yes: since 2023 a walkway lets you descend and walk through the archaeological site with a ticket. Before that, it could only be seen from above.

What is the gattile di Torre Argentina? A colony of cats that lives among the ruins, cared for by volunteers: a much-loved attraction where the cats can be adopted or sponsored.

How long does a visit take? A few minutes from the railing; about 30–45 minutes if you go down into the site via the walkway.

See also

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Article #362 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026