The Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth) in Rome

Attention all fans of curiosities and enigmatic legends! Nestled in front of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth) is said to have the power to reveal liars. It’s a must-see for any visitor passing through Rome!

Follow the guide!

A Brief History of the Bocca della Verità

Dating back to the 1^st century AD during the Roman Empire, the Bocca della Verità is a large marble disc measuring 1.75 meters / 3.3 ft in diameter and weighing 1,300 kilograms / 2,850 lbs. The sculpture features a bearded male face with eyes, mouth, and nose carved into the stone.

While its original function remains uncertain, experts believe it was likely an ancient sewer cover, a mouth of an impluvium (rainwater collection system), or a fountain.

Sewer covers in ancient Rome were often sculpted to resemble river gods, leading historians to suggest that the face of the Bocca della Verità might represent the marine titan Oceanus.

Regardless, the legendary Bocca della Verità quickly surpassed its initial purpose to become a mysterious and magical curiosity. It was mentioned in the 11^th-century document Mirabilia Urbis Romae, a guide to Rome written in Latin for visitors and pilgrims.

However, it wasn’t until 1485 that this grand marble disc became known as the “Mouth of Truth.” Once placed outside the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, it was moved under the portico during restorations ordered by Pope Urban VIII (Maffeo Barberini) in 1631.

The Legend of the Bocca della Verità

According to legend, the Bocca della Verità will bite off the hand of anyone who tells a lie while their hand is in its mouth —a supernatural lie detector!

It is said that suspected liars were once forced to put their hand into the statue’s mouth, which would then reveal the truth by severing the hand of the guilty.

But one particularly clever woman managed to escape the Bocca della Verità’s bloody justice! Accused of infidelity by her husband, she pretended to faint in front of the sculpture, allowing a perfect stranger—actually her lover—to catch her in his arms. She then swore truthfully that she had only ever been in the arms of two men: her husband and the man who had just saved her!

The Bocca della Verità in Film

In 1953, the Bocca della Verità was immortalized in cinema in a famous scene from the film Roman Holiday directed by William Wyler.

Joe Bradley, a charming reporter played by Gregory Peck, takes Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn) on a wild Vespa ride through Rome. The reporter plays along with the legend of the Bocca della Verità, pretending his hand is swallowed by the sculpture before bursting into laughter.

This legendary scene popularized the famous Roman curiosity worldwide!

Visiting the Bocca della Verità at Santa Maria in Cosmedin

Head to the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, near the Circus Maximus! The Bocca della Verità is located under the church’s portico. Brave visitors can queue up to try their luck and take a photo with the famous sculpture.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin while you’re there.

Built in the 6^th century on the ruins of an ancient altar dedicated to Hercules, the church is worth a visit for its beautiful bell tower, medieval pavement from the old St. Peter’s Basilica (replaced in the 16^th century by the current basilica), and its lovely 8^th-century mosaic in the sacristy.

Practical Information

Access to the Bocca della Verità

The Bocca della Verità is located under the portico of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin on Piazza della Bocca della Verità, near the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill.

The nearest metro station is Circo Massimo (line B). Buses 23, 44, 81, 95, 160, 280, 628, 715, and 716 also stop near the church.

Opening Hours of the Bocca della Verità

While you can see the Bocca della Verità from outside the church, you’ll need to enter to get close to it.

The church is open from 9:30 AM to 1 PM and from 2 PM to 5:50 PM.

Admission Fees for the Bocca della Verità

Access to the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is free. However, there is a small fee of two euros to test the legend and take a photo with the Bocca della Verità.

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Credits
Tyler | Caetano Candal Sato | Dave Simpson