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Torre Argentina Cat SanctuaryColonia Felina Torre Argentina, Rome
Cats have have long been associated with Rome and its ruins. Some estimates put Rome's cat population at 300,000, and an Italian "biocultural heritage" law--introduced in 1991--dictates that, wherever five or more cats live together in a "natural urban habitat," they can't be moved or chased away. Many of Rome's stray cats live in ancient ruins, such as the Colosseum (home to some 200 feral cats) and the Forum. In the 1920s, a large number of homeless felines took up residence in the newly excavated Roman temples at the Largo di Torre Argentina, a square in the city center. Over the years, the cats at Torre Argentina were cared for by a succession of gattare, or "cat ladies," who operated an informal cat shelter from dungeon-like quarters beneath the sidewalk at the Largo's southern edge. In 1993, two women--Silvia Viviani and Lia Dequel--founded the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary (in Italian, Colonia Felinia Torre Argentina, or "Torre Argentina Feline Colony"). Today, the shelter offers a sterilization and adoption program, and it also cares for sick, handicapped, or elderly cats that are difficult to place in homes. Some 350 cats live in the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary at any given time, with the healthiest cats roaming freely among the ruins or interacting with passersby at street level. Visiting the shelterThe Largo di Torre Argentina excavations are surrounded by sidewalks, with stairs leading down to viewing platforms. You'll find plenty of cats to admire, photograph, or play with; some are quite friendly and enjoy being stroked behind the ears. (See the final shot in our video on page 3.) If you have time, go down the metal staircase at the southern edge of the square (it's marked with a sign) to visit the underground shelter. There--in modernized, hygienic rooms--staff and volunteers of the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary prepare food, sterilize and immunize cats, offer adoptions, and provide indoor housing for cats that need special care. The Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary sells feline toys, gadgets, and gifts to raise funds, and it relies heavily on donations from visiting tourists. We encourage you to visit the sanctuary and donate what you can afford. If you'd like to have a cat while outsourcing your responsibilities as a pet owner, you can "adopt at a distance" by pledging a monthly donation for a specific cat at the shelter. Visiting hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. For more information about the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary in English, visit the official Web site. Also see our captioned photos and video below.
More Colonia Felina Torre Argentina photos (and a video):
The Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary is in the Largo di Torre Argentina (above), a "sacred area" with Roman temples and other ruins that were excavated in the late 1920s.
Rome's number 8 tram line ends at Torre Argentina, just west of the shelter.
To find the Cat Sanctuary, look for this sign at the southwestern corner of the square. (The shelter is at the corner of Via Florida and Via Arenula, next to the tram line.)
A metal staircase leads down to the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, which is on the same level as the Roman temple excavations. (Watch out for felines underfoot as you descend the steps.)
At the bottom of the steps, cats snooze and play on a small patio. (These cats are lounging under a table laden with toys, gifts, and and other cat-related items from the shelter's charity shop.)
Inside the shelter, you'll see more cats. This floppy feline is
catching 40 winks in the sanctuary's kitchen.
Back at ground level, another staircase gives access to a platform where you can view the Largo di Torre Argentina's temple excavations close up. (You'll also see many of the approximately 350 cats that live in the Cat Sanctuary, since healthy cats are allowed to wander freely in the ruins.)
If you're allergic to cats, you've come to the wrong place.
The Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary discourages feeding of the cats. Instead, you can leave a cash donation at the shelter, which will help to pay for healthy cat food and veterinary care.
Not all of the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary's residents stay in the ruins: Many prefer to wander around the square's walls and sidewalks, stalking pedestrians or enjoying the view.
When you're in Rome, don't miss out on a chance to visit the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, which is open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Video:About the author: Durant Imboden is a professional travel writer, book author, and editor who focuses on European cities and transportation. After 4-1/2 years of covering European travel topics for About.com, Durant and Cheryl Imboden co-founded Europe for Visitors (including Rome for Visitors) in 2001. The site has earned "Best of the Web" honors from Forbes and The Washington Post. For more information, see About Europe for Visitors, press clippings, and reader testimonials. |
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