Rome, a city full of history, hides countless secrets and legends. One of the most interesting of these is La Bocca della Verità, or the Mouth of Truth, a monument that attracts thousands of curious visitors from all over the world.
What exactly is La Bocca della Verità?
La Bocca della Verità is a large, round marble disc approximately 1.75 metres in diameter, weighing over 1,200 kilograms. On its surface is carved a relief of a bearded male face with deeply carved eyes, nose and wide open mouth. It is this mouth that gave the artifact its name.
Today, the disc can be found in the entrance portico of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, near the famous Forum Romanum. Originally, however, it probably served as a cover for an ancient Roman drain or fountain.
The legend of the Mouth of Truth
La Bocca della Verità is most famous for its legend. Legend has it that it can detect liars - anyone who puts their hand in its mouth and lies is said to have their hand bitten off by the statue. In the Middle Ages, the Mouth of Truth was even said to have been used for trials, where the accused would prove his innocence by daring to put his hand in the stone mouth.
Although today we know that the statue has no magical powers, people still like to try the legend "for themselves" - when visiting Rome, there are long queues of tourists wanting their picture taken with their hand in the stone mouth.
Hollywood and Bocca della Verità
the Mouth of Truth became even more famous thanks to the 1953 film Roman Holiday, where Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn create an unforgettable scene at the Bocca della Verità. Here, Peck pretends that the statue has actually bitten off his hand, which frightens Hepburn and adds charm and humour to the scene. Since then, a visit to the Mouth of Truth has been a "must-see" for all movie romantics.
The magical atmosphere of the place
Although La Bocca della Verità is just a piece of marble with a carved face, it has an almost mystical feel. Standing in front of the massive disc, in the ancient setting of the basilica, it's easy to fall under the spell of legend.
So if you are going to Rome, don't miss this unique artifact!
