Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome

Bocca della Verità

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The greatest attraction of the church for most tourists is the Bocca della Verità, "Mouth of Truth." The large marble mask is an ancient Roman artifact that was either a drain cover or part of a fountain. It was placed here at the north end of the nathex in 1632. Its name and popularity derive from a medieval legend that if a liar placed his or her hand in its mouth, it would be bitten off. The legend was charmingly tested by Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in the film Roman Holiday, only adding to its popularity. Today visitors line up in the porch for their turn to be photographed with their hand inside.

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