Discover the history of Rome Antique in an unusual way, by visiting the Bocca della Verità in Rome!
Rome is a city full of history that is expressed by 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 Antique Rome, as The Colosseum , Forum Romain or even Mont Palatin .
Other places, though less imposing, also reflect this era and make the attraction of tourists from all over the world. This is particularly the case of Bocca della Verità , which fascinates by its unusual side.
Indeed, this sculpture of the Antique Rome, which represents the face of a barbu man whose eyes, nose and mouth are perforated, is a place not to be missed during a stay in the capital. The shape of the stele will certainly remind you of the ones that are sometimes found in the fairs, to read the lines of your hands. This indeed has a direct connection to the legend that earned it the status of Roman curiosity.
A short overview of 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 origin of the sculpture dates back to the 1st century after JC, where this massive piece with a diameter of 1.75 meters, was probably to fill the function of sewer plate. Originally located on the Place de la Bocca della Veritá , the stele was moved in 1632 on the exterior walls of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin , where she is still today.
If tourists are rushing today to visit the Bocca della Verità in Rome, it is without a doubt thanks to the legend it is attributed to. Indeed, the mouth of truth has the reputation of cutting hands to all those who do not speak the truth, hence the attribution of his name Bocca della Verità in 1485. Many stories have appeared over time, making this place a true Roman curiosity.
One of them says that a man took his wife there to test his fidelity. The latter fainted before slipping his hand into the mouth of the barbu man and fell into the arms of a passerby. She then swore in front of the stele, that she knew only the arms of two men during her life: her dear husband and the unknown who rescued her.
But the Bocca della Verità in Rome also owes its fame to the 7th art. In 1953, the sculpture held a scene of the film “Vacances Romaines”, in which we find the famous Hollywood actors Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck . They then lent themselves to the game of truth, which helped attract many visitors from all over the world wishing to do the same.
You will have understood that the mouth of truth is both a historical and unusual interest that deserves to be addressed.
What to see and do at the Bocca della Verità in Rome?
Photo credit: Flickr – sarahtarno
Located under the porch of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, the Bocca della Verità intrigues visitors by its historical heritage but especially for its unusual legend. So you can queue to approach the stele and try to slip your hand into the mouth of the truth. But the place has many other things to offer. Do not miss under the porch, the Romanesque style bell tower that was added in the 12th century.
You can also combine your visit to the Bocca della Verità with the monument that shelters it: the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. The opportunity to learn more about the history of Antique Rome, for the Church is indeed on the old Forum Boarium , which is nothing other than one of the oldest markets of Antique Rome.
Close to the Bocca della Verità and the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, you will also find some of the most famous Roman monuments. Behind the church is a vast lawn: it is the Circus Maximus , a place where carriages were held under the Roman Empire. Locals like to pick up or jogging.
If you are going to visit the Bocca della Verità in Rome, you can also visit the Colosseum, the Palatin or the Roman Forum. In addition, the ticket is combined to visit these three historical monuments, so why do you deprive yourself of it? You can buy your ticket online or buy it directly on site!
How to get to the Bocca della Verità in Rome?
The mouth of truth is located in the 18th of Piazza della Bocca della Verità. To make you nothing simpler! You can go:
- By metro: borrow metro line B, to the Circo Massimo station which is closest to the monument.
- **By bus:**lines 44, 51, 81, 83, 85, 118, 160, 170, 628, 715, 716 and 781.
- By car: If you have opted for car rental on arrival, or if you have travelled with your personal vehicle, you will find parking near the site. To help you, read our article "Cheap car park in Rome: where to park in Rome?“
To approach the Bocca della Verità, you will then have to pass the gates of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin and queue to admire the famous stele. Plan a little waiting especially in high season.
Schedules & Rates of the Bocca della Verità
RATES
The visit of the Bocca della Verità to Rome is free of charge. However, to lend you to the game of truth and make you take a picture in front of the sculpture, you will have to leave a small contribution.
HORARI
The mouth of truth is only accessible at certain times of the day, when the gates of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin are open. In winter, the place opens its doors from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Attention, the last admission is at 4:50 p.m.). In the summer, the grids open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Posssible until 5:50 p.m.).
Apart from these times you can see the Bocca della Verità but you cannot approach it and try the game of truth.
If you plan to visit the historical monuments around, I recommend you to buy the Rome CityPass . It allows you to visit the main monuments of Rome with cut-file tickets, to enjoy free transport and to enjoy that many discounts!
So, are you ready to confront the Bocca della Verità?
Loading comments ...