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.
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