A square that reads like a history book

The Area Sacra di Largo Argentina packs some of Rome's oldest and most significant ruins into a small space. Here's what to look for during your visit, from the railing or the walkway.

The four Republican temples

The heart of the site is its four temples from the Republican era, among the oldest in the city. They're labeled with the letters A, B, C, D because their original dedication is uncertain:

  • Temple C — the oldest (4th-3rd century BC), possibly dedicated to Feronia (an 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 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.

Want to explore the Area Sacra at your own pace, with no logistics to worry about?

My Rome Driver takes you into the historic center with a private driver and waits for your next stop. Flat rate, door to door.

Check availability and get a quote

Reply within 30 minutes · Flat rate · Free cancellation up to 24h before

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 assassinated. 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 cats of Torre Argentina

A cat colony lives among the ruins, cared for by the volunteers of the famous gattile di Torre Argentina (the cat sanctuary). The cats bask in the sun among the columns and temples: a tender, now-iconic presence that coexists with the archaeology. You can visit the shelter, adopt, or sponsor a cat 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.

How to plan your visit

In 30-45 minutes you can see everything at an easy pace:

  1. An overview from the railing
  2. A walk down the walkway between the four temples
  3. The area of the Curia of Pompey (where Caesar was killed)
  4. The cats and, if you're interested, the cat sanctuary

Frequently asked questions

What can you see at the Area Sacra di Largo Argentina? The four Republican temples (A, B, C, D), among the oldest in Rome, the area of the Curia of Pompey where Caesar was killed, and the cat colony of the gattile di Torre Argentina.

Why are the temples called A, B, C, D? Because their original dedication is uncertain: archaeologists labeled them with letters while awaiting a confident identification.

Which temple is the most unusual? Temple B, the only circular one, with a few columns still standing: possibly dedicated to Fortuna del Giorno Presente (the Fortune of the Present Day).

Do you really see the cats? Yes: a cat colony lives among the ruins, cared for by the volunteers of the gattile di Torre Argentina. It's one of the site's most beloved attractions.

How much time do you need to see everything? About 30-45 minutes with the walkway; just a few minutes if you stick to the view from above.

See also

Book a driver for the Area Sacra di Largo Argentina

Flat rate · ZTL access · Door to door

Article #365 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026