Largo Argentina, or, more correctly Largo di Torre Argentina has nothing to do with Argentina. It is a square or wide area (Largo) associated with a tower or column (Torre) linked to Strasbourg (originally Argentoratum). It contains an excavation of an archaeological site containing assorted ruins including part of Pompey's Theatre. The spot in the Curia of Pompey's Theatre where Julius Caesar was assassinated is believed to be in the square. The principal structures in the excavation are 4 temples generally referred to as Temple A, Temple B, Temple C, and Temple D.
More information, with links to yet more information, can be found in the Wikipedia article here
I was recently there and took some photos, which will follow, and visited the famous Torre Argentina cat sanctuary as well. Keep in ming that this is right downtown, with a couple of major bus stops, cab stands and shopping all around it, at the corner of two busy streets and a short walk from the Campo di Fiori.
So let's plow on through the orange gnocchi and get going:
Principle Ruins
Two shots of Temple A, third century B.C.E.:
Structure between Temples A & B, with Temple A to the right:
Structure between Temples A & B, Temple B to the left:
Temple B, 101 B.C.E.:
Temples B & C, right to left. C is the oldest temple in the excavation, possibly 4th century B.C.E:
Temple D, 2nd century B.C.E.:
Wait! Intruders!
Rome was built layer upon layer right on top of Rome. Dig deep enough anywhere and it is probable that you will hit a ruin, an antiquity. Rome is also full of cats (gatti). Leave any excavation open and it will fill up with gatti. Largo di Torre Argentina is no exception and is exceptional in that it houses a no-kill shelter and sanctuary that also provides spay and neuter services. You can find out more about it here. (Info on how to help them – they are not government funded – is in the sidebar under “How You Can Help”)
Cats in Ruins
The sanctuary is not officially approved, but the spay and neuter services that they perform are supposed to be performed by the government. The government
is not doing its job and hence winks at the shelter, which one can visit should one go to Rome. They house and care for those cats that need it, run an adoption service, and provide food and water for the estimated 250 gatti that roam the ruins. One can help them via paypal, but if one wants a tax deduction, one has to jump through a couple of hoops as described on their website.