By Alexandra Redisch and the stray cats in Rome
If you, like me, have a tendency to wander about new cities with no special purpose or goal, you sometimes end up at the most amazing places. Not having a defined destination is liberating to me. The goal itself is to wander and experience the feeling of being deliciously lost in an unfamiliar place. Brings me more in touch with the soul of the city itself it does.
Now, I may or may not be extremely interested in cats and animals in general. Some would say I care more about animals than humans. Ambling about in Trastevere, I spotted a stray dog searching for food in a small piazza, so I popped into a shop and bought a chicken schnitzel panini. By the time I came back, the dog was gone.
Look at the adorable little thing…
I’ve recently adopted a rescue dog myself – who, by the way, has her own facebook page and is very keen on more likes – and I desperately wanted to feed the little dog. After searching for a while, however; I had to declare defeat.
The search, however, lead me to the most wonderful cat sanctuary.
When in Rome, by all means visit the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, Pantheon, Vatican City. But if you want to see something different, go to Piazza Argentina and visit Torre Argentina Roman Cat Sanctuary.
Cats among ancient ruins
The cat sanctuary is located at an archaeological site, the Campus Martius, and it’s truly spectacular. The site is filled with the remains of ancient buildings and columns and all around, cats lounge about in that possessive manner of theirs. Beautiful!
I counted at least twenty cats basking in the sunshine. Even though it’s surrounded by traffic on all sides, the sanctuary is a strangely tranquil place. It felt safe, as the digs are so far below street level. No chance of getting hit by a passing car. The ruins are from 400 – 300 BC, among the oldest in Rome, and is currently the home of 250 feline friends.
Cats are available for adoption, foster care, or what the shelter calls “distant adoption” – sponsoring a cat from afar. I do the same at a cat shelter in Norway, and it is most rewarding. My cat is called Jo, and I get letters “from him” from time to time to let me know how he’s doing. I might just sponsor a kitty from Torre Argentina as well!
Where’s Kitty? How many can you spot?
Oh, and by the way – as I walked about the maze of paths between the fallen pillars and columns, I met a small black cat who became the lucky winner of the chicken schnitzel panini.
Visiting the cats
- The Cat Sanctuary is located at the archaeological site of Largo di Torre Argentina, on the corner of Via Florida and Via di Torre Argentina.
- The shelter is open to visitors every day from noon until 6 pm.
- There’s a small visitors centre and shop, where helpful volunteers explain the workings of the shelter.
For more fun photos, step over to Budget Traveers Sandbox and this week’s Travel Photo Thursday.
How incredible, I’ll definitely look it up next time I’m in Rome!
Natasha von Geldern recently posted..Destination USA: Alternative New York
Worth a stop, especially if you like cats.
Those cats look as if they are living ‘la dolce vita’, but it may just be appearances.
ItalianNotes recently posted..The Spanish mill in Orbetello
I think they’re pretty lucky cats
Thanks, Alexandra–I had heard about the cat sanctuary in Rome, but totally forgot to visit it while I was there. Had no idea it was so interesting.
Vera Marie Badertscher recently posted..Travel Photos: 7 Greek Islands
Next time, Vera Marie…
Most timely as we will be in Rome this fall and I will put this on the must-see list!
Jackie Smith recently posted..TPThursday: Searching for Duende in Seville
I think it’s worth a stop. A very unusual and quirky place in the ancient city.
Like you, I love to wander around with no specific purpose in mind. Sometimes those provide the best experiences. Although I’m not a huge fan of cats, but I do enjoy cute pics of them & the Sanctuary seems to be a unique place to visit.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Loco for XOCO
Whether one likes cats or not, they certainly are photogenic, aren’t they…
I love just walking around cities at random, you’re right, it’s more about the journey. Thou that destination is cool, love finding cats when I travel
Jarmo recently posted..5 Hard Learned Lessons about Spanish Public Transport
I seem to stumble over cats everywhere, too. Love it.
This is one of my favorite things to do in Rome—I think it’s so cool that it’s been around for such a long time. It’s a great local initiative in Rome!
Adam recently posted..Rome Carbonara Secrets from a Rome local
It really is a different kind of animal sanctuary. Animal welfare and ancient history in one place, how great is that?
How cool is that! They look very much at home and the one that got your sandwich was certainly the lottery winner of the day. A fun post to read.
Leigh recently posted..Gobsmacked by the Rainbow Range in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park
They do look quite content, don’t they?
I had noticed there were many cats, they are lovely
Angela recently posted..A trip, a photo – Vegan lunch in Rio de Janeiro
They are
Roman ruins and a cat sanctuary. A great combination! A great cause.
Kurt recently posted..Mount Baldy King of the Indiana Dunes
Sure is!
I loved reading about this santuary! I have two dogs former street dogs who have changed my life.
Abby recently posted..What it’s like to meet Celine Dion
Oh Abby, I can relate to you well.
I love adopting dogs as well. When I see dogs on the streets and no one owns them, I’d bring them at home and let them be with me.
Kudos to you both!
We’re not cat-people, but it always warms my heart to see how people can be so kind to animals, who, after all, can’t defend themselves and are totally dependent on humans. Our next dog will also be from among the abandoned.
Glad to hear it.
What a wonderful find! I love how they seem to be part of the ruins and the landscape. It’s a great place for a cat to be in Rome.
Mary @ The World Is A Book recently posted..A Canal Tour in Malmö, Sweden
It really is, especially considering the heavy, erratic traffic in the city. They’re well protected here.
Awww – a lovely home for them! We have a rescue kitty, though she is really just the neighbours’ cat who seems a little neglected. We brush her and give her attention (and the occasional treat).
Andrea recently posted..Slice of Norge: Butcher King
Glad to hear you’re taking care of her
One more point for visit in future trip to Rome. Thanks. Photos are very good.
Victor Tribunsky recently posted..Le Pont du Gard Breathtaking, but That is Only Water Conduit!
Thanks, Victor.
Many cities have a cat sanctuary but I think Rome’s is special because it’s among ruins
Ana O recently posted..Around Texas: Dinosaur Valley State Park
Oh I forgot: I was attracted by the title. At first I thought it was about my country! LOL! The country’s name means silver or of silver in Latin. I wonder how the tower got its name.
Ana O recently posted..Around Texas: Dinosaur Valley State Park
Well, it seems it’s named after the French city Strasbourg, which used to be called Argentoratum in Roman times. Surely there must be some connection with silver in Strasbourg.
This is a very unusual and fun find you came across! I’m another one that enjoys just wandering. As shown here, you never know what you’ll come upon.
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..I’m Off to Explore Historic Germany!
So true, Debbie!
Love this post…We were in the cemetery in Paris once and a group of people were all standing around watching this cat. I walked up, the cat stood up and walked up to me and started rubbing on my legs…My wife has called me the cat whisperer ever since cause it happens all the time…
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..California Route 1 – Big Sur to San Francisco
My mum always said animals can tell who are good people…
Sweet kittens! Your shots are all so adorable, I am a huge fan of cats, so I bet Rome would be the perfect destination for me! Thanks for sharing this nice and cute article!
You’d like Torre Argentina then
Oh my goodness you must read my post about cats,,, you’ll see why. I love Rome.
Piazza della Penny
on Adventures of a Carry-on
Penny Sadler recently posted..Everyone Loves A Parade
Will hurry over
The cat sanctuary in Rome is really amazing–not just to see them all slinking along these super old ruins, but because of the work that the team there is doing to help control the cat population. Plus, free tours of the site make it even cooler!
Zoe French recently posted..Top 5 Alternatives to the New Seven Natural Wonders
They do amazing work there, don’t they.
400 years? I would have thought cat sanctuaries were modern inventions. Pretty cool!
InsideJourneys recently posted..#TPThursday: An Eyecatching Jamaican Church
What a wonderful place. We have been to southern Italy many times, Sorrento to be precise and there are quite a few strays there and we came up with the theory that they come in on boats there, hopping from coast to coast like little Sinbads!
I like that theory
Oh now I remember yes you have been to Rome!
Penny Sadler recently posted..Postcard from Pearl’s Dance Hall and Saloon
This is great to know, I should be there later in the year. Will have to take plenty of photos of the kitties! Thanks for sharing.
emma@greenglobaltravel recently posted..PANAMA Photos- Glamping, Fishing, Dolphins & Rainbows