Rome to Open Site Where Julius Caesar Was Killed to Tourists
Last week, Rome mayor Virginia Raggi announced that the site where Julius Caesar was killed — Largo di Torre Argentina — will be renovated and opened to tourists by the second half of 2021. More recently known for being stray cat turf and otherwise closed off to the public, the reopening of the spot will resurface parts of Roman history and architecture.
It's been said that Largo di Torre Argentina is the place where Caesar was stabbed 22 times outside of the Theater of Pompey and killed at the Curia, also a part of the theater complex. The Curia, or the senate house, still remains as a foundation of tufa stone between two of the four theaters in the complex. Altogether, those components, along with other historical remnants, make up the Largo di Torre Argentina. However, the site previously had been deserted and fenced off, now known more commonly for its central location with many bus stops and its cat sanctuary.
The projected €800,000 renovation is being spearheaded by fashion house Bulgari. "Rome is always the main source of inspiration for Bulgari," said Jean-Christophe Babin, Bulgari CEO, as reported by Conde Nast Traveler. "This site has an extraordinary value because it's the oldest open-air spot in Rome."
The tweet announcing of the renovation from Mayor Raggi read [translated from Italian]: "The sacred area of Largo Argentina is reborn. The archaeological site, in the center of Rome, will once again be accessible to Romans and tourists thanks to an act of cultural patronage of the Bulgari Maison." The message resulted in many thanks and congratulations in the replies.
With the renovation, Mayor Raggi also emphasized that the project will make the site accessible to all, with walkways, a museum and nighttime lighting in place upon the reopening. As for the stray cats, the renovation should not disrupt their sanctuary in temple D as renovations are said to only be taking place in temples A, B and C.
H/T: Conde Nast Traveler
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