History of Largo di Torre Argentina
Largo di Torre Argentina is one of the most history-laden places in central Rome, where the stories of the Roman Republic, the Renaissance and the modern age intertwine.
The name "Argentina" has nothing to do with the South American country: it comes from the corruption of "Argentoratum", the ancient Latin name of Strasbourg, the home town of Johannes Burckardt (Italianised as Giovanni Burcardo). Burcardo, master of ceremonies under several popes including Alexander VI Borgia, had a palace built in this area in the 15th century, called "Torre Argentina" because of his Strasbourg origins.
The Republican era
Four Roman temples are built in this area during the Republican era; they are visible today in the Sacred Area. Marked with the letters A, B, C and D, they were dedicated to different deities and formed part of the Campus Martius.
The Theatre of Pompey
Just nearby, Pompey the Great has Rome's first stone-built theatre erected, complete with a curia where the Senate occasionally met.
The Ides of March
Julius Caesar is assassinated in the Curia of Pompey, which stood close to the present-day Sacred Area, by a group of senators led by Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus.
The Torre Argentina
Giovanni Burcardo has his palace built with a tower, which takes the name "Torre Argentina" after his home town.
Teatro Argentina
Teatro Argentina, one of Rome's oldest theatres, opens its doors. Named after the nearby tower, in 1816 it will host the world premiere of Rossini's "The Barber of Seville".
The discovery of the Sacred Area
During the demolition works for the urban redevelopment ordered by the Fascist regime, the remains of the four Republican-era temples come to light. The demolition project is modified to preserve these important archaeological finds, creating today's Sacred Area.
A living place
Largo Argentina is today an important crossroads in Rome's historic centre, where ancient history and contemporary life weave together. The Sacred Area is also home to a protected cat colony, which has become one of the area's attractions.
