Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Rome: The “Gatti” of Largo di Torre Argentina

Problem: each time the Romans attempt to make modern improvements, they run into some kind of archaeological wonderland like the Largo di Torre Argentina.

The #64 bus stops right in front of the site. If you walk around, you'll see the remains of Pompey's Theatre (where Julius Caesar was assassinated), along with several Republican-era Roman temples.

This area is also a sanctuary for feral cats. The City of Rome passed a law that provides safe zones for cats. This ancient site if full (though not teeming) with healthy looking cats, whiling away the hours alongside some of the most significant ruins in the world, in the middle of one of Europe's busiest cities.

The site is not far from The Pantheon. It's exists far below modern street level, reminding us how Rome is built layer upon layer.

Cami thinks fondly of her own Momma Kitty.

This cat rubs her neck on a stone to mark her territory. Her territory, in this instance, is an ancient Roman temple.

These Roman cats are friends.

This little Roman cat makes his pillow out of a 2,000 year old piece of stone.

This 'lil guy blends in with his surroundings.

This is the largest feral cat colony in Rome. They are all spayed and neutered, hence the relative peace and harmony.

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