Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità)
Bocca della Verità

The Mouth of Truth is an intriguing marble mask located in Rome, Italy. According to legend, it has the power to bite off the hand of anyone who tells a lie while placing their hand in its mouth. This popular tourist attraction can be found in the Piazza della Bocca della Verit\u00e0, near the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church.

The Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità) is a must-see attraction for tourists visiting Rome, Italy. This fascinating marble mask is located against the left wall of the portico of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church, at the Piazza della Bocca della Verità, which was once the site of the ancient cattle market, Forum Boarium. According to medieval legend, the Mouth of Truth has the power to bite off the hand of any liar who places their hand in its mouth, or even if they utter a lie while their hand is inside.

Weighing around 1300 kg (2800 lbs), this massive marble mask is believed to depict the face of Oceanus, the sea titan god, with its eyes, nostrils, and mouth wide open. While historians aren't entirely sure about its original purpose, it is thought to have served as a drain cover in the nearby Temple of Hercules Victor. Cattle merchants may have also used it to drain the blood of cattle sacrificed to the god Hercules. In the thirteenth century, the disc was likely removed from the temple and placed against the wall of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin. In the 17th century, it found its current location inside the portico of the church.

The Mouth of Truth has not only attracted countless visitors eager to test their honesty but has also become a popular theme in European art. It has been depicted in paintings and woodcuts by artists such as Lucas Cranach the Elder and Lucas van Leyden. However, its most famous appearance was in the 1953 film Roman Holiday, where it played a significant role in the movie's storyline, showcasing how honesty can bring two characters together.

Visitors to the Mouth of Truth can experience the thrill of placing their hand inside this ancient marble mask, testing their honesty and fearing the consequences of dishonesty. The location itself, in the vibrant Piazza della Bocca della Verità, adds to the overall charm of the experience. The surrounding Santa Maria in Cosmedin church is also worth exploring, as it showcases beautiful Romanesque architecture.

Be sure to visit the Mouth of Truth during your trip to Rome. Whether you believe in its mythical power or not, it remains an intriguing and unique attraction that offers a glimpse into ancient Roman culture and legends. Don't miss the chance to create your own memorable experience at Bocca della Verità.