Bocca della Verità

  Bocca della Verità, or the "Mouth of Truth," sits at the foot of the imposing Santa Maria in Cosmedin church near the Tiber River in Rome. Dating back to the first century AD, this ancient marble mask is often linked to legends surrounding its ability to reveal truths, famously featuring in films and folklore. Its primary function has historically been as a drainage cover, but today it attracts visitors eager to test its myth by placing their hands inside the carved mouth. A popular spot year-round, you’ll often find a line forming, particularly in spring and summer months, as visitors from around the world gather to snap a photo. Besides observing the iconic mask, guests can explore the adjacent church and its charming piazza, making it a pleasant addition to any Roman itinerary.