Monument · Italy · Lazio

Mouth of Truth

A giant marble face in a church porch said to bite the hands of liars.

about 20 min

For storytellers

Why Mouth of Truth matters

The Bocca della Verita is a large carved stone face on a church wall. A legend says it will bite the hand of anyone who lies, a story made famous by an old Hollywood movie. Queues form for a quick photo, so it is an easy stop if you are already nearby.

Talking points

  • The stone was probably an ancient drain cover.
  • The legend says it bites the hand of liars.
  • It sits in the porch of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.
  • Photos take only a minute but queues can build.

Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.

More in Rome

Historic site · UNESCO

Colosseum

Rome, Italy

The vast Roman amphitheatre that has become the symbol of the Eternal City.

Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO

Pantheon

Rome, Italy

A nearly two-thousand-year-old temple with a perfect concrete dome and a circular opening to the sky.

Monument

Trevi Fountain

Rome, Italy

Rome's grandest baroque fountain, tucked into a tiny square.

Ruins · UNESCO

Roman Forum

Rome, Italy

The ruined heart of ancient Rome: temples, arches and the old political centre.

Square

Piazza Navona

Rome, Italy

A lively baroque square built on the shape of an ancient Roman stadium.

Also nearby

Within about 40 km, closest first.