Discover the history of Ancient Rome in an unusual way, with a visit to Rome’s Bocca della Verità!
Rome is a city steeped in history, expressed in the richness of its architectural and cultural heritage. A stay in the Italian capital necessarily involves a visit to the main monuments that underline the power of the Roman Empire and Ancient Rome, such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Mount Palatine.
Other places, though less imposing, also reflect this era and attract tourists from all over the world. The Bocca della Verità, for example, is fascinatingly unusual.
Indeed, this sculpture from Ancient Rome, depicting the face of a bearded man with perforated eyes, nose and mouth, is a must-see when visiting the capital. The shape of the stele will certainly remind you of those sometimes found at funfairs, where you can read the lines on your hands. This has a direct link with the legend that earned it its status as a Roman curiosity.
Everything you need to know to visit the Bocca della Verità in Rome!
History of the Bocca della Verità
Photo credit: Flickr – Manel Zaera
The sculpture dates back to the 1st century A.D., when this massive piece, 1.75 metres in diameter, was probably intended to serve as a manhole cover. Originally located in Piazza della Bocca della Veritá, the stele was moved in 1632 to the outer walls of theChurch of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, where it remains to this day.
If tourists flock to the Bocca della Verità in Rome these days, it’s undoubtedly thanks to the legend attributed to it. Indeed, the Mouth of Truth is reputed to cut off the hand of anyone who doesn’t tell the truth, hence the name Bocca della Verità in 1485. Numerous stories have emerged over the years, making this place a real Roman curiosity.
One story tells of a man who took his wife there to test her fidelity. The latter fainted before slipping her hand into the bearded man’s mouth and falling into the arms of a passer-by. She then swore before the stele that she had only known the arms of two men in her life: her beloved husband and the stranger who rescued her.
But Rome’s Bocca della Verità also owes its fame to the 7th art. In 1953, the sculpture was used as the backdrop for a scene in the film « Roman Holiday », starring famous Hollywood actors Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The latter lent themselves to the game of truth, which helped attract many visitors from all over the world who wanted to do the same.
As you can see, the Mouth of Truth is of both historical and unusual interest, and well worth a closer look.
What to see and do in Rome’s Bocca della Verità?
Photo credit: Flickr – sarahtarno
Located under the porch of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, the Bocca della Verità intrigues visitors not only for its historical heritage, but above all for its unusual legend. You can queue up to approach the stele and try to slip your hand into the mouth of truth. But the site has much more to offer. Don’t miss the Romanesque bell tower under the porch, added in the 12th century.
You can also combine your visit to the Bocca della Verità with that of the monument that houses it: the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the history of Ancient Rome, as the Church stands on the ancient Forum Boarium, which is none other than one of the oldest markets in Ancient Rome.
Just a stone’s throw from the Bocca della Verità and the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, you’ll also find some of Rome’s most famous monuments. Behind the church is a vast lawn: this is the Circus Maximus, where chariot races were held during the Roman Empire. Locals love to come here for a picnic or a jog.
If you’re visiting the Bocca della Verità in Rome, you can also visit the Colosseum, the Palatine or the Roman Forum. What’s more, the ticket is combined to visit these three historic monuments, so why miss out? You can buy your ticket online or on the spot!
How to get to the Bocca della Verità in Rome?
The Mouth of Truth is located at Piazza della Bocca della Verità 18. Getting there couldn’t be easier! You can go to :
- By metro: take metro line B to Circo Massimo station, which is the closest to the monument.
- By bus:routes 44, 51, 81, 83, 85, 118, 160, 170, 628, 715, 716 and 781.
- By car: If you opted to rent a car on arrival, or if you made the trip with your own vehicle, you’ll find parking close to the site. To help you, read our article » Cheap parking in Rome: where to park in Rome?« .
To get close to the Bocca della Verità, you’ll have to pass through the gates of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church and queue up to admire the famous stele. Be prepared for a long wait, especially in high season.
Bocca della Verità opening times and prices
RATES
Visiting the Bocca della Verità in Rome is free of charge. However, to play the truth game and have your photo taken in front of the sculpture, you’ll need to leave a small contribution.
SCHEDULES
The Mouth of Truth is only accessible at certain times of day, when the gates of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin are open. In winter, the gates open from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Please note that the last admission is at 4.50 p.m.). In summer, the gates open from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (admission possible until 5.50 p.m.).
Outside these times, you can see the Bocca della Verità, but you can’t get too close and try the truth game.
If you’re planning to visit the historic monuments in the area, I recommend you buy the Rome CityPass. It allows you to visit Rome’s main monuments with special tickets, free transport and numerous discounts!
So, are you ready to take on the Bocca della Verità?