Cats of Rome: inside the new ArcheoRunning tour tracing the Eternal City's sacred felines
Yahoo for Creators
Last updated: June 15, 2026
ArcheoRunning offers a unique "Cats of Rome" tour, blending historical exploration with the city's resident feline population. This 3.5-mile running and walking journey highlights Rome's deep-rooted connection with cats, stretching from ancient Egyptian influences to contemporary street life. The tour aims to provide a more intimate perspective on Rome by focusing on its whiskered inhabitants and the people who care for them.
- The tour covers notable sites like Largo di Torre Argentina, a cat sanctuary, the Egyptian sphinxes on Capitoline Hill, and the Pyramid of Cestius. Founder Isabella Calidonna, an art historian and archaeologist, launched the tour to coincide with ArcheoRunning's tenth anniversary and her cat's birthday, seeing cats as a gateway to understanding both Roman history and its present-day community.
- At Largo di Torre Argentina, named cats like Vandros and Rubio are recognized by regulars, offering insight into the sanctuary's efforts. The tour also touches upon the historical connection between Rome and cats, dating back to the worship of the Egyptian goddess Bastet, whose cult was prevalent in ancient Rome. This legacy is seen as cultural, with cats now being an integral part of the city's identity.
- The tour offers a contrast between significant historical events, such as Julius Caesar's assassination at Largo di Torre Argentina, and the quiet presence of cats among the ruins, illustrating the flow of everyday life through history. Dawn runners experience a unique transition, sharing the silent city with the cats before it awakens, creating a personal connection that lingers with visitors.
