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 site packs some of Rome's oldest and most significant ruins into a small space, reading almost like a history book carved into the ground.
What to See
The Four Republican Temples (A, B, C, D)
At the center of the square lie the remains of four temples, labeled with the letters A, B, C, and D because their original dedications aren't entirely certain — archaeologists used letters while awaiting a confident identification:
- Temple C — the oldest (4th–3rd century BC), possibly dedicated to Feronia, an early Italic goddess.
- Temple A — surviving as columns and fragments; in the medieval period a small church was built on top of it (San Nicola de Calcarario).
- Temple B — circular, the only one of this shape, with a few elegant, well-preserved columns still standing; possibly dedicated to Fortuna del Giorno Presente (the Fortune of the Present Day).
- Temple D — the largest, only partially excavated (it continues beneath the street).
Walking the elevated walkway, you take in the different levels and building phases in a single glance — a rare snapshot of Republican Rome.
The Curia of Pompey: Where Caesar Was Killed
Beside the temples stood the Curia of Pompey, part of the great Theatre of Pompey complex, where the Senate met on a temporary basis. It was here, on March 15, 44 BC (the Ides of March), that Julius Caesar was stabbed to death. It is one of the most history-laden places in the world, and standing at the exact spot of one of history's most famous events is the visit's most powerful moment. We give it a guide of its own: 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 the volunteers of the famous gattile di Torre Argentina (cat sanctuary). The cats bask in the sun among the columns and temples, especially in the cooler hours — a tender, now-iconic presence that coexists with the archaeology and has become a symbol of the bond between Rome and its cats. You can visit the shelter, adopt a cat, or sponsor one from afar.
The Details to Look For
- The columns of the circular Temple B, elegant and well preserved.
- The varying levels of the terrain, telling centuries of stratification.
- The cats curled up among the stones, especially in the cooler hours.
- The panels along the walkway, explaining the site's history, with a small exhibition space.
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Tickets and Hours
A useful distinction: taking in the Area Sacra from above, from the railing that wraps around the square, is free and possible at any hour. To go down and walk among the ruins, along the walkway opened in 2023, you'll need a ticket at a modest price.
The big news of 2023 is this visitor walkway, which lets you descend into the archaeological area and walk right beside the temples, the ruins and the remains of the Curia of Pompey, the very spot where Caesar was assassinated. The site was once visible only from above; today you can experience it up close.
The site is part of Rome's Musei in Comune network, so it follows the same pricing and discount policies: reduced rates, free admission categories, and the MIC Card for residents.
| View from the railing | Free, always accessible, at any hour |
|---|---|
| Walkway (down among the ruins) | Ticket required, modest price |
| Hours | Generally open every day, continuous hours; last admission about an hour before closing |
| Discounts | Statutory reductions and MIC Card (residents) apply |
| Booking | Usually on-site or online; booking online can help during peak periods |
Prices and hours are approximate, so always check current information on the official site before your visit.
How to Get There
The Area Sacra sits in Largo di Torre Argentina, one of Rome's most central and busiest squares, framed by Campo de' Fiori, the Pantheon, and the Jewish Ghetto. It's a major public-transport hub, so reaching it by tram or bus couldn't be easier.
By Tram
The most iconic way to arrive is the tram:
- Tram 8 — links Largo di Torre Argentina with Trastevere (terminus toward Casaletto) and with Piazza Venezia. The stop is right on the square.
By Bus
Largo di Torre Argentina is a major bus hub: dozens of lines pass through or terminate here, connecting it with Termini, the Vatican, San Giovanni, and most of the city. It's often the most practical way to reach the center by public transport.
There is no metro stop nearby — the historic center isn't served directly by the metro — but the tram and bus links more than make up for it, making the square an excellent base for moving between the center, Trastevere, the Vatican, and Termini.
On Foot from the Center
The Area Sacra is just steps from the top attractions:
- Pantheon — about a 5-minute walk.
- Campo de' Fiori — about 5 minutes.
- Piazza Navona — about 7–8 minutes.
- Jewish Ghetto and Tiber Island — a few minutes.
By Car and the ZTL
Largo di Torre Argentina is right in the historic center, inside a ZTL zone, with heavy traffic and parking that's all but impossible. With a private driver (NCC) the problem disappears: they drop you as close to the square as they can and handle the transfers and waiting time — ideal if you want to pair the Area Sacra with other stops downtown or with an airport transfer.
Practical Tips
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. A good route:
- An overview from the railing.
- A walk down the walkway between the four temples.
- The area of the Curia of Pompey (where Caesar was killed).
- The cats and, if you're interested, the cat sanctuary.
A few extra pointers:
- For a free view: look down from the railing on Largo di Torre Argentina.
- For the full experience: grab a ticket and head down the walkway.
- Look for the cats: the feline colony lives among the ruins, especially in the cooler hours.
- Pair it with the historic center: the Pantheon, Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Campo de' Fiori, Piazza Navona, the Jewish Ghetto and Tiber Island are all minutes away. A private driver keeps your itinerary flowing through the heart of Rome.
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.
How much does it cost? Admiring it from above, from the railing, is free. Going down among the ruins via the walkway requires a modestly priced ticket. The MIC Card (for residents) and statutory discounts apply. Check prices on the official site.
How do you get to Largo Argentina? It's a major transport hub: you can reach it on tram 8 (from Trastevere or Piazza Venezia), on dozens of bus lines, or on foot from the Pantheon and Campo de' Fiori (about 5 minutes). There's no nearby metro stop, and the square is inside the ZTL, so a private driver is the easiest option by car.
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.
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