Bocca della Verità, Ancient marble sculpture at Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Italy
The Bocca della Verità is a round marble disc with a bearded face on the church wall at Santa Maria in Cosmedin in Rome. The mask shows openings in the eyes, nose and mouth and measures 1.75 meters across.
The marble disc was made in the first century and may have been used as a drain cover at the Temple of Hercules Victor. It was later moved to the church wall where it has stood since medieval times.
The name comes from a medieval belief that the disc could reveal liars by biting their hands. Visitors today still place their hand inside the mouth opening and pose for photographs while reenacting the old legend.
The sculpture relief stands in the church portico and can be viewed during opening hours, which vary depending on the season. A small admission fee is charged for access to the courtyard area.
The disc appeared in the 1953 film Roman Holiday, where Gregory Peck placed his hand in the mouth and pretended it was being bitten off. This movie scene brought the relief worldwide attention and has drawn film fans here ever since.
Location: Roma
Diameter: 1.75 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access
Made from material: marble
Address: Piazza della Bocca della Verità, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Opening Hours: April 15-September 15 Monday-Sunday 09:30-17:50; September 16-April 14 09:30-16:50
Phone: +39066787759
Website: http://dpsusa.com/bocca_verita_history.shtml
GPS coordinates: 41.88826,12.48154
Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:06
Rome preserves more than 2,000 years of architectural history within its city limits, maintaining ancient temples and amphitheaters beside Renaissance churches and Baroque piazzas. The Roman Forum displays ruins from the first century BC through the fourth century AD, including government buildings and temples that formed the administrative heart of the Roman Empire. The Pantheon demonstrates Roman engineering with its concrete dome, while the Colosseum remains the largest ancient amphitheater ever built. The city evolved through subsequent centuries as papal patronage transformed medieval Rome into a showcase of Renaissance and Baroque art and architecture. The Vatican holds significant religious and artistic collections, including the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and Saint Peter's Basilica, the world's largest church building. Throughout the historic center, public squares like Piazza Navona preserve the footprint of ancient Roman structures while displaying Baroque fountains by Bernini and Borromini. The Trevi Fountain draws thousands of visitors daily to its 18th century facade, and the Spanish Steps connect different elevation levels of the city. Rome's neighborhoods maintain traditional Italian life around these monuments, with restaurants, shops and residences occupying buildings from various historical periods.
These sites in Rome display art, history, and architecture away from main routes. From ancient temples to small churches, the city reveals its historical depth. The locations include underground catacombs, Roman villas, Gothic churches, and industrial buildings with art collections.
Rome combines ancient history with modern photography. The city presents monuments, fountains, squares and viewpoints to photographers. The Colosseum, Castel Sant'Angelo and Roman Forum display Roman architecture. The Vatican Museums and Piazza Navona showcase art. The Villa Borghese Gardens and Trastevere district complement the urban setting.
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Temple of Hercules Victor
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Temple of Portunus
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Ponte Palatino
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Palazzo della Pantanella a Piazza della Bocca della Verità
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Nice to have seen it. Afterwards, a tour around the church. There is a man who takes photos of you with your own device.
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