Largo di Torre Argentina, A Historic Haven for Stray Cats

Largo di Torre Argentina

This is the oldest relic within the city of Rome

4.1

Introduction

The Silver Tower Square is located within the archaeological area of the Roman Forum, originally part of the sacred area of the Forum of Mars. Its name comes from the Latin name Argentoratum, meaning "silver fortress" in Strasbourg due to the tower of the Berckha House, who was a Strasbourg resident. The existing Small Papal Tower was built in the Middle Ages and is dedicated to Antipope Anacletus II, also known as the "Little Pope Tower". The Square also houses buildings such as the Silver Theater and the Association of Italian Writers and Publishers. Within the Silver Tower Square, there are four Roman temples (A, B, C, D) built during the Roman Republic, named accordingly as A, B, C, and D since it was not clear which deity each temple was dedicated to. Temple A, possibly dedicated to Giuturna, was built in the 3rd century BC; Temple B was the only circular temple, dedicated to the goddess of luck; Temple C, possibly dedicated to Feronia, the goddess of fertility and abundant crops, was built between the 4th and 3rd century BC. Temple D, the largest of the four, was built in the 2nd century BC, possibly dedicated to the patron god of sailors Permarini. The Forum of Mars was a public space during the Roman Empire with many structures built over time in the surrounding area. Today, the Silver Tower Square and its surroundings are a part of the development of the city of Rome. Behind Temples B and C is the raised platform of the Old Senate House of Pompey, believed to be the site of Julius Caesar's assassination.