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Explore Rome's Sacred Area of Largo di Torre Argentina: Historic Temples and Caesar's Assassination Site

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Situated in Rome, the Sacred Area of Largo di Torre Argentina stands as one of the city's premier archaeological sites. Uncovered unexpectedly between 1926 and 1928 during urban redevelopment demolitions, the location showcases complex historical layers spanning centuries of Roman evolution. The site takes its name from Argentoratum, a Roman military post in modern-day Strasbourg, which was the hometown of Johannes Burckardt (Giovanni Burcardo), a master of ceremonies to Pope Alexander VI Borgia who named a tower in his palace after his origin.

探索羅馬銀塔廣場神聖區:走訪愷撒遇刺地與四座共和時期古羅馬神廟遺址

Ancient Temples and Historical Landmarks

The complex features four Republican-era temples labeled A through D:

  • Temple C: Built between the late 4th and early 3rd century BC on the original countryside level, making it the oldest temple. It was likely dedicated to Feronia, an ancient Italic fertility goddess.

  • Temple A: Erected in the mid-3rd century BC, this structure is believed to be the Temple of Juturna. In the 9th century, a church dedicated to St. Nicholas was established inside it, featuring a 12th-century Cosmatesque floor, an altar, and a decorated apse.

  • Temple D: Dating to the 2nd century BC, this largest temple was dedicated to the Lares Permarini or the Nymphs.

  • Temple B: The only circular temple, constructed after a fire around 111 BC over a newly raised tuff floor. Scholars link it to the Fortuna huiusce diei, celebrated following a Roman victory over the Cimbri of Viterbo. Marble fragments of a massive acrolith statue from this deity are housed at the Centrale Montemartini museum.

Explore Rome's Sacred Area of Largo di Torre Argentina: Historic Temples and Caesar's Assassination Site

The Site of Julius Caesar's Death

Behind Temples B and C lies a large tuff foundation. This structure is all that remains of the Curia of Pompey, the famous location where the Roman Senate met and where Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March (March 15, 44 BC). Following another major fire in 80 AD, Emperor Domitian leveled the area and added a travertine slab floor that remains visible today.

Explore Rome's Sacred Area of Largo di Torre Argentina: Historic Temples and Caesar's Assassination Site

Practical Information for Visitors

Located on Via di San Nicola de Cesarini in the Pantheon, Navona, and Campo de' Fiori area, the complex is fully accessible to all visitors. The ticket office and bookshop are situated at Torre del Papito in Piazza dei Calcarari. Please note that on-site toilets are not available.

  • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday. Standard time hours run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:45 PM for individuals, 2:00 PM for groups). Daylight Saving Time hours are 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry 6:45 PM). Special hours apply on December 24 and 31 (9:30 AM to 2:00 PM).

  • Closures: Closed every Monday, December 25, and May 1.

  • Bookings: Tickets can be purchased online or reserved via the call center.

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