Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Minor basilica in Ripa district, Rome, Italy.
Santa Maria in Cosmedin is an eighth-century basilica in the Ripa district near the Tiber, roughly 130 feet (40 meters) long and 65 feet (20 meters) wide. A seven-story bell tower from the twelfth century rises beside the main entrance with its columned portico, while inside a marble choir floor with geometric patterns and a bishop's throne from the same era define the liturgical space.
A welfare station for Greek refugees from the eastern Mediterranean stood here in the sixth century. Pope Adrian the First transformed the building into a basilica in the eighth century and gave it today's liturgical function.
The name means
The church opens daily from half past nine in the morning until six in the evening with no entrance fee, clothing should cover shoulders and knees. Several bus lines stop within walking distance, the square sits directly on a busy intersection south of the Roman Forum.
The portico shelters the Bocca della Verità, an ancient marble disc with a face that legend says bites off the hands of liars. Tourists often queue to place their hand inside the mouth of the mask and take a photo.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
