If you are missing your cat, this spot is perfect to see some ancient ruins and to pet a few cats. The Torre Argentina is the remains of four Roman temples and is thought to be the place where Caesar was murdered. It was found during an excavation in the 1920s and now is a protected site. Within the ruins is also a cat sanctuary. You’ll see lots of cats roaming the ruins and in the grass but you also can walk down a small flight of stairs to a basement where there are cats you can interact with. Some are old or blind and they are all lovely to sit with for a few minutes. It doesn’t smell great in there, but it was worth it for me to visit. Be a good citizen and leave a few euro to donate to help these cuties.
Torre Argentina & the Cat Sanctuary
City: Rome
Region: Lazio
About the Region:
Lazio is often seen only as the region that holds Rome, but it offers so much more beyond the Eternal City. Of course, Rome itself is reason enough to visit. Walking its streets is like wandering through a living museum, where ancient ruins, Renaissance palaces, Baroque fountains, and bustling piazzas blend seamlessly with modern life. The Colosseum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain are icons everyone should see at least once.
But beyond Rome, Lazio’s countryside is filled with surprises. Just an hour away lies Tivoli, home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Villa d’Este with its stunning Renaissance gardens and fountains, and Hadrian’s Villa, the sprawling ancient retreat of Emperor Hadrian. Both are breathtakingly beautiful and often overlooked by travelers.
Further north, you’ll find the medieval hill town of Viterbo, known for its well-preserved historic center and ancient thermal baths. Nearby, Civita di Bagnoregio sits atop a crumbling cliff, accessible only by footbridge, earning it the name “the dying town” – a hauntingly beautiful place frozen in time.
Lazio also boasts volcanic lakes like Lake Bolsena and Lake Bracciano, perfect for a relaxing day of swimming, boating, or dining lakeside at family-run trattorias. The region’s food reflects rustic Roman flavors: hearty pastas like cacio e pepe and amatriciana, and porchetta roasted to perfection.
Visiting Lazio means experiencing the grandeur of Rome and discovering a countryside rich with history, quiet beauty, and authentic Italian life that few tourists ever see.