Rome Attractions – The Mouth of Truth

Santa Maria in Cosmedin is best known for being home to the Bocca Della Veritá (Mouth of Truth). This is a large, round face carved on a flat piece of marble, which is propped up against the wall in the portico of the church. Tourists queue up to place their hand in the mouth of the sculpture, following the legend that, should they tell a lie while their hand is in place, the face will bite them. There are two theories regarding the origin of the carving. One is that it is an ancient drain cover, and the other is that it was once part of a fountain. (See the full page about the Mouth of Truth history)

Coordinate: 41,8885558N 12,4816474E

Address: Piazza Bocca della Verita 32
The Piazza Bocca della Verità lies across the Tiber River from the Trastevere neighborhood via the Ponte Palatino. This is a particularly ancient area of Rome, just a short walk southwest from Campo dei Fiori, south of the landmarks Foro Romano (Roman Forum), Palatine Hil, and the Colosseo (Coliseum). The walk is quite scenic past the other monuments and a chance to experience history first hand.
Public Transport:
The area can be reached by buses: 15, 23, 57, 90, 92, 95, 716.

Admission fee:
Free

Opening hours:
The church is open 10am-1pm & 3pm-5pm, and the portico – containing the Mouth of Truth – is open 9am-1pm & 2.30pm-6pm