A ‘cats of Rome’ running tour has just launched

We’re not ashamed to admit that we’ve been distracted by a cat at a tourist attraction and ended up with more photos of our new furry friend than the site itself (…and not just once or twice).

Certain cities are even known for their feline populations: Istanbul, Kotor, and Rome.

And if it’s the latter you’re visiting, you might just want to sign up for this new running tour that takes you to some of the city’s best sites that just happened to be frequented by kitties.

Launched by ArcheoRunning, which has been offering guided running tours around the Eternal City since 2016, the cats of Rome running tour takes you to ancient ruins that have feline colonies living among them.

Led by art historian and ArcheoRunning founder Isabella Calidonna, the tour covers six kilometres and kicks off well before the city starts to stir at between 6 am and 7 am.

Where you’ll go on the cats of Rome running tour

The tour begins at the Temple of Isis and Serapis archaeological site in Campo Marzio, a fitting starting point given ancient Egypt considered cats sacred beings.

You’ll then head to Area Sacra of Largo Argentina, the site of a feline colony, before climbing up Capitoline Hill to admire the view before heading off to the Colosseum.

Runners will then finish up at Pyramid of Cestius, where even more cats await.

Writing about the tour, Calidonna said: “This tour is for those who love getting lost, noticing details, and running slowly enough to truly see.”

Prices start from €50 per person, based on five people joining the tour.

Sounds like a purr-fect way to start a day of sightseeing in Rome.