Bocca della Verità in Rome: History, Legend, and What to See
Rome is a renowned city all around the world, people come to this city to visit some of the most incredible and beautiful places. Fun fact, did you know that Rome is the city with the most UNESCO protected sites? Yes, Rome has in total 13 locations, almost doubling the amount of the second city in the ranking.
Around the city center there are 6 of these iconic monuments, but Rome always has so many more things to offer. Outside the usual tours, there are many churches, museums, and historic buildings you can visit and enjoy Rome from a different perspective.
Today we want to share another hidden jewel of Rome, what to do, where it is located, and the history behind it.
Bocca della Verità, the “Mouth of Truth”
Located in the portico of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church, this ancient marble mask is steeped in legend and history.
Where?
- Piazza della Bocca della Verità, near the Tiber River and the Roman Forum.
- Free to see, but there’s usually a line to take photos.
What else can you visit around?
- Santa Maria in Cosmedin
- Circus Maximus
- Temple of Hercules Victor
- Capitoline Museums: Another spectacular museum, where the original statue of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, and the original statue of the “Capitoline Wolf”, the symbol of the Roman Empire, are displayed.
Book our tour of the Hidden Jewels in Rome - https://www.vaticantours.com/tours/rome-walking-tour
The Story Behind the “Mouth of Truth”
Its origin is dated around the 1st century AD, and it's possibly a drain cover or a fountain decoration; what it shows is the face of Oceanus, the river god. In medieval times, people believed that the mouth was a “Liar detector”, and the one who told a lie with their hand inside would have it bitten off.
Nowadays, the tradition for tourists is to put their hand inside and tell the truth. It is an interesting ritual that gathers lots of people intrigued by the mystery behind the powers of this face. It also gained lots of popularity when it appeared in the movie “Roman Holiday” (1953), where the actors played the game of sticking their hand inside.
Do you dare to try saying the truth with your hand inside? Are you a liar? Are you hiding something? Enjoy this game, feel Rome in a different way, go and check this amazing place, and visit also the church that holds this jewel—a quick, fun stop before continuing your day-trip in Rome.
