La Bocca della Verita (The Mouth of Truth)

La Bocca della Verita (The Mouth of Truth) may not be grandiose like the Colosseum or the Pantheon but don’t be surprised to still see a line here. My fascination with La Bocca della Verita is thanks to the film “Only You” which had beautiful scenes of Italy and created a desire for me to see this amazing country. Little did I know I would end up living here.

While many know La Bocca della Verita, few know that it is within the covered entrance way to the lovely Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church. Basically, La ‘Mouth of Truth’ is a gaping marble mouth set in a weathered stone face of the sea-God Oceanus. The carving was thought to have originated as a decorative drain cover.

It’s common to see lines at this unique attraction as visitors approach one by one and nervously put their hand inside the jaw of this primitive lie detector. It may seem absurd that anyone would wait in line to have a photo taken with their hands in La Bocca della Verita but as a first-time visitor to Italy, I did that too.

Myth of La Bocca della Verita

The story behind the putting your hand in La Bocca della Verita is that in times past, anyone suspected of lying, especially a woman accused of adultery, would have his or her hand placed in the mouth. Legend claims that in the case of liars, the mouth would clamp shut and sever their fingers!

It was rumored that a priest hid behind the stone and hit the fingers of those known to be guilty, which gave credence to the legend. The Bocca della Verita was actually made popular when it featured in the film ‘Roman Holiday’ in 1953 starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn.

While here, take time to visit inside the church itself with beautiful 12th century flooring, twin pulpits, a bishop’s throne and a stone choir screen which are all made out of fine Cosmati stone inlay.

There is an impressive baldacchino over the altar, built by Deodato di Cosma in 1294, and some relics of St Valentine which are always popular with lovers! In a small separate room off the right aisle, look for the unexpected mosaic of the Adoration of the Magi, all that is left of the original 8th century church.

Below are the closing times and rules of staying in line for la Bocca della Verita.  A first for Italy as the concept of lines don’t quite exist here! Admission is free but visitors are requested to leave a donation.

On your first visit to Rome, did you stop by La Bocca della Verita and get your picture taken?