The historical symbol of Rome is the she-wolf who fed and saved the lives of the brothers Romulus and Remus. But the unspoken symbol of the modern Italian capital is cats.
Masters of rome
Moreover, not some pampered beauties, but the most ordinary purring curs. To local residents and guests of the capital of Italy, free cats liked very much, by joint efforts people care about the well-being of the mustachioe-striped. And the city authorities donated a decent piece of land to the cat on Largo di Torre Argentina square near the Altar of the Fatherland. I do not know analogs in the world. Want to take a stroll in the Roman Cat Shelter?
The Italians are extremely kind to the cat tribe. Among cat owners (ital. "Gattare") both ordinary inhabitants of the country, and celebrities are registered. In particular, Pope Benedict XVI was known as a great cat lover. Fluffy pets have chosen for themselves the ancient ruins of Rome. Multi-colored fur coats flicker against the backdrop of historical monuments: the wreckage of four ancient temples, decorously rising above the paving stones of Plaza Argentina. From boredom and everyday life this quiet corner of the Italian capital is saved by several hundred cats and pussies.
The columns, yellowed from time to time, are destroyed legally. A neat inscription informs visitors that in front of them is the shelter of homeless Roman cats. And not just a shelter, but a place of registration! That is, fluffy pets received the status of full residents of Rome.
On the territory of Torre Argentina, cats are fed, medical assistance is provided as necessary, and, of course, are caught for sterilization. Caring volunteers know every cat by name. During the day, cats walk on their own or sleep on warm ruins, do not rush to climb into the arms of strangers.
Hotels near Torre Argentina in the center of Rome
A large number of proud animals served by an army of volunteers. People allocate several hours a day to give animals a well-deserved ration and to ennoble their habitat. Tourists also have the opportunity to feed a cat tribe, although it is not recommended that cats get used to eating in one place. But, of course, when appropriate, cats do not get confused and can independently demand food from lazy travelers.
Inside the cat's shelter there is a gift shop. By purchasing cute crafts decorated with cat silhouettes, visitors help the institution earn a living penny.
Torre argentina
As for the ruins, so loved by cats, they also deserve attention. A small Roman square got its name in the 15th century, when a stone tower arose on its territory. The building was erected at the expense of Johannes Burkhard, who served in the Italian court. The homeland of Burkhard was the city of Strasbourg, the Latin spelling of which sounds like "Argentoratum". The new tower received the name of Torre Argentina from a nostalgic nobleman (Argentina Tower). And the area on which the building is located is Largo di Torre Argentina.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the tower, badly battered by time, and other buildings on the square were razed to the ground. In the 30s, during the reign of the Duce of Mussolini, part of the cobblestones in the square was demolished. Excavations have begun in the capital's land as part of the study of Area Sacra (Sacred Land). The second name Tore Argentina acquired after archaeologists discovered under it the remains of several ancient temples. Places of worship of the gods were considered sacred for residents of the past. Modern Italians also reverently reacted to their heritage.
Temples
The most ancient building in Area Sacra is considered a temple dedicated to the goddess of fertility - Theronium.
It is dated 4-3 centuries BC, the surviving fragments of the structure are decorated with black and white mosaics. The temple is also isolated only partially freed from the thickness of the earth - in this place they worshiped the gods who protect the family hearth (2nd century BC). The Temple of Yuturna, the patroness of artisans, was allegedly built at the end of the first Punic Warrior in 240 CE. The goddess granted healing and good health to his parishioners. No less interesting is the history of the temple of luck. The round building, surrounded by six massive columns, was decorated with a marble statue. This temple was erected on the orders of the commander Lutius Catullus in 100 AD
The site of the murder of Julius Caesar
And the main attraction of Area Sacra is the legend according to which, the famous commander and the first emperor of the Roman Empire, Julius Caesar was killed in these places. The great husband began to introduce many reforms in order to change the politics and economy of his state. The chosen course hurt the interests of many noble nobles.
therefore March 15, 44 BC, Caesar died at the hands of people close to him during a Senate meeting in the box of the Pompeii Theater. The place of tragedy also refers to the Holy Land.
Cat Shelter
If we return to our cats, it remains to add that the shelter for these animals was founded in 1993 by two residents of Rome. The shelter room is divided into two parts. Kittens and adolescents are settled in one of them, and adults in the other. In rainy or cold weather, purps sit willingly at home, and on a sunny day, they can certainly be seen among the stones of abandoned temples.
