Bocca della Verità, Rome

Name: Bocca della Verità
Address: Via della Greca, 4, Rome, 00186, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 678 7759

#99 among attractions in Rome

Romanesque architecture, Monuments and statues, Historical place

Gallery (9)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Dnalor 01 / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Nicholas Gemini / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dietmar Rabich / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Mister No / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Pierfelice Licitra / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / MatthiasKabel / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC0 / Phyrexian / URL

Facts and practical information

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 meters in diameter and depicts a face with open eyes, nostrils, and, most notably, an open mouth.

According to enduring legend, the Bocca della Verità will bite off the hand of anyone who tells a lie while their hand is placed in its mouth. This has made the sculpture particularly popular among tourists, who often pose for a photo while testing their veracity. The origins of the mask are uncertain, with speculations ranging from it being part of a Roman fountain or perhaps a manhole cover, to representing an ancient river god.

Despite its uncertain history, the Bocca della Verità is a must-visit for those exploring Rome, combining a touch of mystery with historical intrigue. It is located a short walk from other ancient landmarks such as the Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum, making it an easy addition to any sightseeing itinerary. Visitors should be prepared for potential queues, as the appeal of testing one's honesty in such a dramatic fashion continues unabated.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 41°53'18"N, 12°28'53"E

Address

Via della Greca, 4RipaRome 00186 Italy

Contact

+39 06 678 7759

Website

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Rome

Day trips

Bocca della Verità – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Theatre of Marcellus, Santa Maria in Cosmedin, House of Augustus, Temple of Hercules Victor.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Bocca della Verità open?

Bocca della Verità 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 Bocca della Verità?

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

How to get to Bocca della Verità by public transport?

The nearest stations to Bocca della Verità:

Bus

Bocca della Verità • Lines: 170, 44, 44F, 715, 716, 781, 83, C3, n19, n3, n9 (1 min walk)
Greca • Lines: 118, 160, 51, 628, 715, 81, 85, 87, C3 (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 (10 min walk)
Trastevere/Mastai • Lines: 8 (12 min walk)

Metro

Circo Massimo • Lines: B (13 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

Quattro Venti (35 min walk)
Roma Trastevere (35 min walk)

Trolleybus

Volturno/Cernaia • Lines: 90 (38 min walk)