LARGO DI TORRE ARGENTINA
Square hosting the remains of ancient temples in Rome.
You will undoubtedly pass by this very busy square during your stay in Rome. A crossroads for many buses, the traffic is sometimes dizzying. But linger on, because the largo di Torre Argentina is home to the remains of what was the sacred area of the Republican era (3rd century BC). The name Torre Argentina is due to Johannes Burckard, master of ceremonies of the popes at the end of the 15th century, and refers to his native city: Strasbourg, or Argentoratum in Latin. Nothing to do, therefore, with Argentina! Eight meters lower than the level of the current ground rose here 4 temples, 3 squares and a circular, of which it remains today only ruins. We do not know with precision the divinities to which the temples were dedicated, from where their designation by letters, A, B, C and D. It is besides in the back of the temple B that Julius Caesar would have been assassinated on March 15, 44 BC by his adoptive son Brutus. Colonized by cats that live thanks to the help of volunteers and are now part of the scenery, the archaeological area is not accessible to the public; however, it can be seen quite well from the top of the street. On the northwest side, you will notice the façade of the Argentina Theater, inaugurated in 1732. Many operas were first performed in this theater, including Rossini's famous Barber of Seville in 1816. Today it is the seat of the Teatro di Roma Foundation, one of the most popular theaters in Rome for its rich and eclectic programming.
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