Mouth of Truth: The Legend and How to See It for Free

The Mouth of Truth is a Roman monument shrouded in mystery. Although its origin and function remain unclear, its legend grew century after century until it became part of Roman folklore.

La Bocca della Verità is one of the most iconic sights to see in Rome, and here we tell you all the curious details behind its legend.

The Mouth of Truth, the famous Roman legend

Beyond the legendary fights held at the Colosseum in Rome, one of the most popular legends among the Roman people comes from medieval times, when the Mouth of Truth was used to deliver justice during trials by ordeal. 

An executioner would place the accused person's hand inside the Mouth of Truth. At that moment the accused had to declare whether they were telling the truth or a lie.

Then, if the mouth detected a lie, it would swallow the accused's hand. Of course the reality was rather different: hidden behind the great marble disc was a second executioner who cut off the accused's hand with a sword.

A bit of history

Unlike other monuments such as the Roman Forum, historians and archaeologists have never established the origin or the use of the Mouth of Truth. 

Some believe it is a drain cover from the Temple of Hercules.

Another theory suggests it was part of a fountain, and some even claim it was a drain where, instead of rainwater, the blood spilled during sacrificial rites ran through.

Visiting the Mouth of Truth is one of Rome's great traditions, though like any famous monument, depending on the day and time you will most likely have to queue for your photo. 

La Bocca della Verità on screen

The Mouth of Truth, 1.75 meters across, has starred in several films. The most famous is Roman Holiday, a 1953 film in which Audrey Hepburn plays a princess who meets a reporter, Gregory Peck, and tours Rome with him on a Vespa. 

At one point in the film, they visit the Mouth of Truth and the reporter pretends the sculpture has bitten off his hand while telling the princess the legend. 

Santa Maria in Cosmedin

The Mouth of Truth sits on the outer wall of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, another spot we recommend visiting.

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is a medieval Roman church, built in the 6th century on the remains of the Templum Herculis Pompeiani. It has three naves, a portico, a sacristy and an oratory dedicated to Saint Nicholas. 

It is nowhere near as beautiful as other churches in Rome such as the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, but thanks to its beauty the church earned the epithet Cosmedin, from the Greek word Kosmidion, meaning beautiful.

The church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is close to Circo Massimo, next to the Temple of Portunus, a short walk from Ponte Palatino and the Trastevere neighborhood.

Other places worth seeing if you head to the Mouth of Truth are Piazza del Campidoglio, the Capitoline Museums and the Theater of Marcellus, one of the highlights of Rome's Jewish Quarter.

Visiting the Mouth of Truth

The Mouth of Truth is one of the free things to see in Rome. There is no admission fee and no need to book.

Address: Piazza della Bocca della Verità, Rome

Hours: Daily from 9:30 to 18:00 in summer. From 9:30 to 17:00 the rest of the year.

Admission: Free

Getting there: If you take the Rome metro, the nearest station is Circo Massimo. By bus: 44, 44F, 83, 160, 160F, 170, 175, 716, 781, C3, N9 or N19