Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary
Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary
4.5
12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Monday
12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
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Neighbourhood: Centro
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See what travellers are saying
- Shelly V7 contributionsQuick & easy visitThis was a fast , easy thing to do in Rome. It’s inexpensive and small. You won’t spend much time here. I enjoyed the historic element of course , but I also wanted to support the sanctuary. It was fun trying to find the cats. I only saw about 4 or 5.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 3 October 2023
- Rudy28289 contributionsSo glad we were able to get here. It's unlike any place we've ever been.This place is amazing. Run by amazing people, all volunteers, who really care. They spent time telling us some of the resident's stories, many of which are quite sad. 90,000 sterilizations is quite an achievement. We purchased some items as a donation, the only souvenirs we purchased on our Rome vacation, and plan to sponsor one of these lovable cats. I don't know what some of the reviewers are talking about. The place did not smell like pee at all. Smelled as clean as our home, and we only have four felines.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 October 2023
- Gillian D4 contributionsGreat place to visit if you are in the AreaGo down the iron stairs at the opposite side to the tower, and you can enter this small rescue centre. The volunteers were lovely and explained their mission, allowing us to look around and cuddle the cats there. A few souvenirs to purchase as well. Our only thing was we were ushered out within 10 minutes as they didn't want to get crowded and the premises were small. The cats are allowed to roam on this historic site in the middle of a busy city....amazing work they do.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 10 November 2023
- Valerie MSignal Mountain, Tennessee16 contributionsBeautiful organization that needs help from tourists who visit the area....This organization is wonderful helping stray cats in need....I am happy to sponsor one of their kitties and want to take care of him all of his life at distance... I would like to say to anybody who visits the Sanctuary, please try to help for the abandoned/stray cats, even one or two euros can make a difference for the organization that lives on donations. I am not part of the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, not a volunteer...just a donor who loves this place since I discovered it!Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 January 2024
- TravelCatTel Aviv, Israel11 contributionsGreat place to visit with kidsVisited with my 7 years old and we were both happy to spend some time here. It is centrally located and we could enjoy seeing the Forum itself. The cats are very well taken care of and some let you pet them so my daughter was excited. The team that runs the place is very informative and nice with answering our questions. Definitely a great option for cat lovers just in the Center of Rome.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 6 March 2024
- Stacey VUnited States9 contributionsUnique Roman Experience for Cat LoversI told my daughter that we had a special surprise for her in Rome, and this experience did not disappoint. We were greeted with warm welcomes and were invited to come inside to pet the cats. The ladies who care for the cats provided the background of each cat, sharing the differences among each cats' personality. Photographs inside are not allowed, so please be respectful of the rules. The ladies who care for these cats are very protective of the animals and take their work very seriously (I say this as a compliment). A very unique experience and highly recommended for the true cat lover.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 21 May 2024
- Resort2811337999212 contributionsOne of my favorite stops in Rome - don't miss it!Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary was one of my favorites in Rome. I highly encourage you to check it out. The gift shop is worth the short wait in line, and you get to visit with lots of the cats while browsing the swag, only available for sale at the gift shop - no online sales. I love the hoodie I purchased.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 May 2024
- anonymousY1793UP4 contributionsAdorableTorre Argentina is an excavated site in the center of Rome, with ancient structures, walkways and explanatory signs. The cat sanctuary is on one corner but cats are all about. The thoughtful ladies of the sanctuary let in a few people at a time and discuss the history and operations of the place, while giving access to all the cats kept inside for medical/age issues. And they sell adorable handmade items. Just delightful. Deserving of donations.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 June 2024
- JordanColumbus, Ohio285 contributionsFun, uncrowded spotUnfortunately, my husband and I came on a Monday when the sanctuary is closed. We were still able to see the ruins as they are set down under the street with clear walls around. We even saw a few cats napping in the shade.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 June 2024
- sciteach07Atlanta, Georgia338 contributionsCheck out the kitties!My daughter and I visited the cat sanctuary while we were in Rome. We foster kittens at our house and it was great to be able to see this sanctuary. It was a little hot and stuffy so we didn't say long, but I'm so glad for the work they do. You can't take photos inside.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 19 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
4.5
1,001 reviews
Excellent
702
Very good
183
Average
83
Poor
21
Terrible
12
Karen Savage
Amsterdam, The Netherlands1,354 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
What a fantastic place! We saw some cats outside lounging on artifacts and then saw the stairs to the cat sanctuary. So many cats! The people working there are very friendly and so caring. I am so happy to see that places like this are helping spay/neuter and vaccinate the cats and get them adopted. ❤️
If you like cats, this is a wonderful place to visit in Rome.
If you like cats, this is a wonderful place to visit in Rome.
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel 101
5 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
I had seen this on the television and I just had to go to it.. The people who work here are all volunteers they do an amazing job..most of the Cats are free to come and go, you see them all sunbathing on the ancient ruins. Some of the cats are kept inside but that is for their own protection as some are totally blind, some are deaf. If you do visit they are very welcoming and they will answer any questions you have. You can purchase some souvenirs or if you would like you can leave a donation, this cat sanctuary is not government funded so they do appreciate any donation no matter how large or small this also covers medical expenses and the Cats all benefit from it by having their best life.. will definitely go back to see all the lovely kitty's the next time we are back in Rome..🐱.😃
Written 1 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
courtney9384
Washington DC, DC402 contributions
Aug 2021
After five prior trips to Roma, I finally came across this wonderful cat sanctuary. It was a true highlight! What a joy to see the kitties exploring the ruins and living their best lives. If you walk down the stairs, you will come across the indoor shelter, which houses quite a few kitties; I believe some are permanent residents and others are available for adoption. It is run by a lovely staff and volunteers, who were quick to welcome me in. They told me about their work and some individual stories of some of the cats in their care. It was a wonderful visit and absolutely necessary for any cat or animal lover. If you are able to, I'd encourage you to make a donation to the sanctuary; they are doing amazing work!
Written 23 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ellen k
Chicago, IL12 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
Stopped by to see the cats and buy some merchandise. Got to talking to one of the volunteers who gave the background on the organization. They started approximately 29 years ago when there were over 500 cats in the ruins. There are now 75 cats of which they provide constant care, most are feral and/or disabled. The group is also focused on spaying and neutering with peak years seeing 5000 cats fixed. When I walked by these ruins 27 years ago, they were overrun with cats. It is very inspiring to see their success firsthand. I plan to wear my T-shirt around Rome to help raise awareness and funds so they can continue their efforts.
Written 30 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stefanie H
Lincoln, NE1,746 contributions
Mar 2022
This is such an awesome area for the cats, and if you walk down the stairs, you can go inside the office area and meet some of the cats with disabilities. The staff members will show you around and tell you about each cat. You can pet the cats and play with them. You can also make a donation or buy merchandise that helps out the entire project. This is a quick stop that is a lot of fun.
Written 3 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MPinFC
Fort Collins, Colorado310 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Highlight of the trip for my son. We made a donation and got to tour the area where most of the cats are housed and pet them. Cannot take pictures in the main area inside but if you make a donation and go in the other room, you can take pictures. My son talks about this part of our two week trip constantly.
Written 8 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gillian D
4 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Go down the iron stairs at the opposite side to the tower, and you can enter this small rescue centre. The volunteers were lovely and explained their mission, allowing us to look around and cuddle the cats there. A few souvenirs to purchase as well.
Our only thing was we were ushered out within 10 minutes as they didn't want to get crowded and the premises were small.
The cats are allowed to roam on this historic site in the middle of a busy city....amazing work they do.
Our only thing was we were ushered out within 10 minutes as they didn't want to get crowded and the premises were small.
The cats are allowed to roam on this historic site in the middle of a busy city....amazing work they do.
Written 10 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angy D
Glasgow, UK45 contributions
Feb 2020
Read about the cat sanctuary so really wanted to visit here, had a look from above first then made our way down the steps to the sanctuary below. We were welcomed by a lady who explained what they do there & how many cats they have in their care. (130) We were invited to see the disabled & blind cats when it was feeding time. They do a fantastic job looking after all the cats , if you love cats this is a great place to visit, you can buy souvenirs from the shop but we chose to leave them a donation.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chloe C
25 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
In between the runs is a hidden cat colony and rescue centre. The women working in the rescue were friendly, and told us about how they look after the cats in the area, and have an indoor rescue for those who are high risk. We were able to go in and play with the cats who live inside the sanctuary.
You could buy gifts or make a donation to help them important work this organisation does.
Well worth a visit - playing with the kitties will put a smile on your face!
You could buy gifts or make a donation to help them important work this organisation does.
Well worth a visit - playing with the kitties will put a smile on your face!
Written 18 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve S
Palm Springs, CA1,712 contributions
Sept 2022
A MUST see for any cat lovers who visit Rome is the cat sanctuary at the ancient ruins in the city block called Largo Di Torre Argentino. The site was excavated in 1927 and, once cleared, many of Rome’s feral cats moved in. The cats were taken care of by “gattare” (cat ladies). In 1994 it became the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary. It is home to about 150 cats who are spayed/neutered, fed, cared for and adopted out. A Great Organization!
Written 23 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ciao. Come faccio a contattarvi? 🤔Ho provato, da tempo, più volte, invano.🤷🏻♂️ Vorrei notizie della nostra carissima micetta adottata, Gatta Disturbia. 😻Vorremmo continuare a sostenervi. Attendo un Vostro riscontro. Ci conto. Un caro abbraccio felino.😽Fausto&Maria
Written 20 May 2023
Is it closed right now? May 22 2022. I didn’t see any cats or employees
Written 22 May 2022
Is the sanctuary open every day ( despite coronavirus) and what times? Do we need to book ? We are in Rome now and would like to Visit it tomorrow
Written 23 August 2020
Assolutamente no.
Ci mancherebbe.
Se vuoi sei libera di sostenere l'associazione in varie forme. Io do il 4x1000; da quest'anno si può.
Quando vado a Roma trascorro volentieri del tempo Con gli ospiti del Santuario. Momenti magici e profondi.
Poi ho adottato dei gatti a distanza.
Oppure puoi portarti dei piccoli manufatti tematici, con una piccolo contributo.
Tutto in modo assolutamente libero.
Naturalmente, in era-covid vi sono delle restrizioni da seguire.
Vacci, presto. E coinvolgi i tuoi amici. C'è bisogno. E sono persone serie e motivate. Garantito.
Miaociao😻😉
Written 1 August 2020
It's probably not as awesome as kitty island in Syros , but was it really a safe place for so many cats in such an urban district ?
Written 23 May 2019
The shelter and excavation where the cats are is way below street level and the cats are content to stay in the grassy area where the food is! 😺
Written 23 May 2019
Can we bring any food or toys for the cats? If so what is best and Of course we will donate xxx
Written 19 January 2019
I would email the center directly to ask if they accept food donations. It never even occurred to me to do so! They are very grateful for cash donations, which is how I contributed. I did their "Long Distance Adoption" which is basically a sponsorship : ) If you see my adoptee "Stealth" please cuddle him for me! Have a safe trip!
Written 23 January 2019
torreargentina
Rome, Italy
Siamo molto dispiaciuti per ciò che le è successo... ma perché dare una cattiva valutazione ad un rifugio che si occupa di gatti?
Written 28 May 2018
where exactly is this located?
Written 28 March 2017
Largo di Torre Argentina, 00186 Roma, Italy
Written 29 March 2017
Do you have to buy a ticket to get into the shelter? What are the tours for? I see tour tickets for sale on this site... Are these tours of the ruins, and you just see the cats. Because they are there? Can a visiting tourist volunteer at the shelter for a few days? Thank you!
Written 10 October 2016
You don't need to buy a ticket to get into the sanctuary. The ruins are off-limits to humans, but you can walk at street-level around the perimeter and see the cats lounging about inside!
I don't think that they offer volunteer opportunities- when we went there were 3-4 staff members there, and it was a weekday. I assume that most of the help they receive is from vets helping to nurse the sick cats back to health.
There is no cost to get into the building underground where they have the tiny gift shop and kennel area. I bought an adorable kitchen cloth because all proceeds help the cats, but you can also 'adopt' a cat and make a donation that way.
Hope you enjoy the kitties!
Written 12 October 2016
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