A short guide to the lesser-known destinations in the Eternal City
By Nate Jayne
Largo di Torre Argentina
A necessary stop for both history buffs and cat-lovers, Largo di Torre Argentina is a short walk across the river from the Tiber campus. The ruins from the four ancient Roman temples are here, but also the remains of Pompey's Theater where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 B.C.E. This area was slated for demolition as part of a Roman reconstruction effort after the unification of Italy. In 1927 the gigantic head and arms of a marble statue were unearthed, after which archeological exploration and preservation took precedence.
Today, the site houses the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, a no-kill shelter for homeless cats. If you peer over the walls you will likely see many of the resident felines lazing about, washing, playing and seeking attention from those who wander down the steps. Behind the scenes, many other cats are housed and cared for by a group of volunteers. The operation requires a lot of help to stay up and running and new volunteers are always welcome. See their website for details:
Largo di Torre Argentina
Open noon-6:00 daily Admission: free (donations accepted)
Museo degli Strumenti Musicali
(The Museum of Musical Instruments)
Opened in 1964 the museum features hundreds of instruments. Some of these are very old and quite rare, such as the first piano constructed by Bartolomeo Cristafori in 1722. Instruments on display range in origin from the ancient up to the 18th century. A visit is sure to please any music aficionado.
9/A Piazza di
Santa Croce in Gerusalemme (near Termini Station)
Tues-Sun
8:30am – 7:30pm
Admission: free
Villa Celimontana
Located near the Colosseum, the grounds of Villa Celimontana might strike you as being the Central Park of Rome: an expansive green area full of trees and grass in the middle of the city. Shade and fountains are abundant and make the area perfect for a picnic or a stroll, a brief respite from the brick and mortar of the city. The Italian Geographic Society is headquartered there and excellent views of Rome are found nearby. There are occasionally concerts and art exhibitions during the evenings of the warm months and small eateries dot the perimeter.
Near Piazza della Novicella
open daily
from 7:00am to nightfall
Admission: free
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