Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome

Name: Santa Maria in Cosmedin
Address: Piazza della Bocca della Verità, 18, Rome, 00186, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 678 7759

#74 among attractions in Rome

Church, Romanesque architecture, Historical place

Gallery (16)

Map

Gallery

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Rome, Italy, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, art, and spirituality. This ancient church, dating back to the 8th century, is known for its fine medieval architecture and the iconic "Mouth of Truth" (Bocca della Verità) that lies within its portico.

The basilica stands on the site of an earlier temple and has undergone numerous renovations over the centuries, leading to a captivating mix of styles. Its bell tower, one of the tallest medieval belfries in the city, provides a striking silhouette against the Roman skyline.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the church's serene interior, adorned with intricate mosaics and a beautifully decorated coffered ceiling. The high altar and the Schola Cantorum, an enclosure for the choir, are prime examples of medieval craftsmanship.

One of the most famous features of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is the Mouth of Truth, an ancient marble mask that legend says will bite the hand of anyone who lies while it is placed in its mouth. This curious artifact continues to draw crowds, eager to test the legend for themselves.

Local name: Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin Completed: XI centuryArchitectural style: Romanesque architectureCoordinates: 41°53'17"N, 12°28'54"E

Address

Piazza della Bocca della Verità, 18RipaRome 00186 Italy

Contact

+39 06 678 7759

Website

Social media

Facebook

Rome

Day trips

Santa Maria in Cosmedin – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Theatre of Marcellus, House of Augustus, Bocca della Verità, Temple of Hercules Victor.

~1520 ftN
Roman theater with summer festival
Theatre of Marcellus, Rome
8 min walk • The Theatre of Marcellus is a testament to the grandeur of ancient Rome and remains a significant archaeological site in the heart of the city. This ancient structure, which originally could house up to 20,000 spectators, stands as a remarkable example of early Roman...
~970 ftE
Palace, Historical place, Ruins
House of Augustus, Rome
5 min walk • The House of Augustus, a notable historical landmark nestled on the eminent Palatine Hill in the heart of Rome, Italy, is a splendid window into the opulent lifestyle of the city's first emperor, Augustus. This ancient residence, which served as the personal quarters...
~90 ftNW
Mythical stone carving of a man's face
Bocca della Verità, Rome
1 min walk • The Bocca della Verità, or the "Mouth of Truth," is an evocative piece of Roman sculpture tucked away in the portico of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church in Rome, Italy. This massive marble mask, which dates back to the ancient Roman period, measures about 1.75...
~330 ftNW
Temple, Sacred and religious sites, Historical place
Temple of Hercules Victor, Rome
2 min walk • Nestled within the bustling heart of Rome, the Temple of Hercules Victor stands as a lesser-known yet captivating testament to the city's ancient architectural prowess. This Roman temple, located in the Forum Boarium near the Tiber River, offers visitors a glimpse into...
~460 ftNW
Temple, Sacred and religious sites, Historical place
Temple of Portunus, Rome
3 min walk • The Temple of Portunus or Temple of Fortuna Virilis is a Roman temple in Rome, Italy, one of the best preserved of all Roman temples.
0.4 miN
Hiking trail, Hiking, Historic walking areas
Cordonata, Rome
10 min walk • The cordonata is a sloping road interrupted at regular distances by low steps in the form of transversal stripes made of stone or bricks. It has a form almost similar to a flight of steps, but allows the transit of horses and donkeys.
~1100 ftSW
Park, Garden, Lookout
Parco Savello, Rome
6 min walk • The Orange Trees Garden is the name used in Rome to describe the Parco Savello. It is about 7,800 square meters and is located on the Aventine Hill. The park offers an excellent view of the city. The garden, as it is today, was designed in 1932 by Raffaele De Vico.
~530 ftNE
Arch
Arch of Janus, Rome
3 min walk • The Arch of Janus is the only quadrifrons triumphal arch preserved in Rome. It was set up at a crossroads at the northeastern limit of the Forum Boarium, close to the Velabrum, over the Cloaca Maxima drain that went from the Forum to the River Tiber.
~760 ftNW
Bridge, View point
Pons Aemilius, Rome
4 min walk • The Pons Aemilius, today called Ponte Rotto, is the oldest Roman stone bridge in Rome, Italy. Preceded by a wooden version, it was rebuilt in stone in the 2nd century BC.
~200 ftNW
Fountain
Fountain of the Tritons, Rome
1 min walk • The Fountain of the Tritons is a fountain in Rome, Piazza Bocca della Verità, in front of the basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.
~1190 ftNW
Church, Giacomo della Porta
San Nicola in Carcere, Rome
6 min walk • San Nicola in Carcere is a titular church in Rome near the Forum Boarium in rione Sant'Angelo. It is one of the traditional stational churches of Lent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Santa Maria in Cosmedin open?

Santa Maria in Cosmedin is open:

Monday 9:30 am - 6 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am - 6 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am - 6 pm
Thursday 9:30 am - 6 pm
Friday 9:30 am - 6 pm
Saturday 9:30 am - 6 pm
Sunday 9:30 am - 6 pm

Which popular attractions are close to Santa Maria in Cosmedin?

Nearby attractions include Bocca della Verità, Rome (1 min walk), Fountain of the Tritons, Rome (1 min walk), Aqua Appia, Rome (2 min walk), Piazza Bocca della Verità, Rome (2 min walk).

How to get to Santa Maria in Cosmedin by public transport?

The nearest stations to Santa Maria in Cosmedin:

Bus

Greca • Lines: 118, 160, 51, 628, 715, 81, 85, 87, C3 (2 min walk)
Bocca della Verità • Lines: 170, 44, 44F, 715, 716, 781, 83, C3, n19, n3, n9 (2 min walk)

Ferry

Isola Tiberina • Lines: Battelli di Roma (9 min walk)
Sant'Angelo • Lines: Battelli di Roma (30 min walk)

Tram

Belli • Lines: 8 (11 min walk)
Trastevere/Mastai • Lines: 8 (12 min walk)

Metro

Circo Massimo • Lines: B (12 min walk)
Colosseo • Lines: B (15 min walk)

Light rail

Roma Porta San Paolo • Lines: Fc2 (23 min walk)
Roma Termini • Lines: Fl6, Fl7 (36 min walk)

Train

Roma Trastevere (35 min walk)
Roma Termini (36 min walk)