Rome is a subtle city adorned with the old and the new, the grandeur and the modest, and a city for the cat lovers and the cats. Cats have been living in Rome for uncounted centuries. The Romans always appreciate the companion of cats and connect them as sacred animals of Roman deities. Libertas, the Roman goddess and embodiment of liberty, is often shown as a matron in classical robe with a cat at her feet. A Roman myth tells of the goddess Diana's transformation into a cat so she might escape the evil forces of the dragon-like creature, Typhon. Rome has even dedicated a street, Via della Gatta, to this animal and in the past also a square, Piazza della Gatta, but that now is known as Piazza Grazioli. The fascination for cats remains so long that the Romans have designated the felines as a biocultural heritage of the city Rome. If you are an ailurophile or a feline's friend, you should add some time to have a leisure stroll following the paces of these furry Roman citizens after you have tired of all regular tourist excursions in Rome. Visit the Largo di Torre Argentina, a large, excavated square of archaeological ruins, and a cat sanctuary. Then, have your ears prickled up, prowl and explore into Via della Gatta. At the corner of Via della Gatta and Piazza del Collegio Romano, on the Palazzo Doria-Pamphili is located a Madonnella, a sacred portrait, containing a painting of 1796, named The Immaculate Conception, representing an image of a Madonna who tenderly holds in her arms a cat. It is said that the exact spot where the cat set her eyes there lies a wonderful hidden treasure. It seems, however, that this point has not yet been identified since there is not any official or popular tale about the discovery of a treasure in the area. Overall, the cats of Rome have strong bond with this city. There are approximately 30,000 feral cats living in the ancient ruins. You may bump into friends with four paws sitting, stretching out and rolling over on ancient pillars and steps. You never know who might pop in to say meow to you. Wait and snap pictures. It is time to look for a new way to roam in this old city.