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Home / Ancient Roman Sites and Ruins /

Mouth of Truth

Written by: Artur Jakucewicz

The Mouth of Truth in Rome
Tip To avoid the queue, arrive 10 minutes before opening. During the day, the waiting time in line is about 30 minutes.
Opening Hours
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:50 PM
Monday: 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:50 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:50 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:50 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:50 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:50 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:50 PM
Closest bus stops
Greca1 min 38 m: 81 85 87
Bocca Della Verita2 min 75 m: 44 83 170 716
Closest subway stations
Circo Massimo14 min 691 m: B
Piramide 26 min 1.3 km: B
Address Piazza della Bocca della Verità, 18, Roma

The Mouth of Truth (Italian: Bocca della Verità) is an ancient image carved in a round Pavonazzo marble (Italian: Marmo pavonazzetto) slab. The gloomy face of an unknown god is set in the portico of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.

The church is on the Tiber River’s left bank, a contemporary area of ancient Roman buildings. Scientists believe that the place has an age of about 2,200 years, and the Romans are convinced that it is impossible to tell a lie under the stern gaze of the mask!

Contents

Toggle
  • Things to Know before Visit the Mouth of Truth
    • What does La Bocca della Verità mean?
    • Do I need to buy a ticket to visit the Mouth of Truth in Rome?
    • How big is the Mouth of Truth?
    • What is the Mouth of Truth?
    • What movie is The Mouth of Truth in?
    • When was the Mouth of Truth built?
    • How does the Mouth of Truth work?
    • What is the Mouth of Truth myth?
    • Is Mouth of Truth free?
    • In which European city can you find the Mouth of Truth?
  • Key Parameters of the Mouth of Truth
  • Legends about Mouth of Truth
  • The Mouth of Truth in Art – Roman Holiday Movie
  • Nearby Attractions

Things to Know before Visit the Mouth of Truth

What does La Bocca della Verità mean?

La Bocca della Verità, or 'The Mouth of Truth' in Italian, is not just a famous marble mask in Rome. It's a living testament to the ancient Roman culture, known for its legendary ability to reveal whether someone is telling the truth or lying.

Do I need to buy a ticket to visit the Mouth of Truth in Rome?

No, you do not need to buy a ticket to visit the Mouth of Truth. It is located in the portico of the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin and is open to the public for free, a testament to Rome's commitment to preserving its historical treasures for all to enjoy. Donations, of course, are always appreciated.

How big is the Mouth of Truth?

The Mouth of Truth is approximately 5.6 feet (1.7 meters) in diameter. This large marble disc weighs about 2800 pounds (1300 kilograms).

What is the Mouth of Truth?

The Mouth of Truth, a unique ancient marble mask in Rome, is believed to be part of a Roman fountain or manhole cover. Its intriguing legend states that it will bite off the hand of anyone who lies while their hand is in its mouth.

What movie is The Mouth of Truth in?

The Mouth of Truth has left an indelible mark on popular culture. It was famously featured in the 1953 movie "Roman Holiday," starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. Audrey Hepburn played a princess from an unspecified European country, while Gregory Peck portrayed an American journalist. The scene where Peck's character playfully pretends his hand is bitten off is iconic, highlighting the enduring fascination with this ancient lie detector. Notably, Hepburn's character did not reveal her true identity during the scene.

When was the Mouth of Truth built?

The Mouth of Truth, a historical marvel, was built around the 1st century AD. It is believed to have originally been a part of a Roman fountain or a manhole cover for a drain, adding to its historical significance.

How does the Mouth of Truth work?

The Mouth of Truth doesn't mechanically work; it's a legendary lie detector. According to the myth, if someone lies while their hand is in its mouth, the Mouth of Truth will bite off their hand.

What is the Mouth of Truth myth?

The myth of the Mouth of Truth states that if a person places their hand in their mouth and tells a lie, the mouth will close, biting off the hand. This legend made it a popular site for testing honesty.

Is Mouth of Truth free?

Yes, visiting the Mouth of Truth is free. It is located in the portico of the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin, and while entry is free, donations are welcomed.

In which European city can you find the Mouth of Truth?

The Mouth of Truth is located in Rome, Italy, in the portico of the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin.

Key Parameters of the Mouth of Truth

This time-worn marble disc weighs 1,300 kg (about 2800 pounds) with a diameter of 175 cm (about 5ft 9in) and a thickness of 19 cm (about 7in). The purpose of the object with prominently engraved features of a man’s face with eyes, nostrils, and mouth in the form of holes has not been still found. The most probable are versions of the decoration of the fountain or a maintenance hole cover in Ancient Rome.

The person, depicted on the disc, also remains a mystery: Oceanus, Triton, the god of the Tiber, or Faun. And these are only the most popular versions. According to the ancient Almanac of travelers “Mirabilia Urbis Romae” (11 in.), the Mouth of Truth has a mystical power of oracles. “Take your interlocutor to the mask of the Faun, and you will know if he tells the truth or lies to you.”

Legends about Mouth of Truth

In the Middle Ages, the Mouth of Truth was called a “lie detector” due to the poet Virgilio Grammatico, who, being engaged in active magic practice, believed that by doubting each other’s loyalty, husbands and wives would be able to learn the gospel truth in front of the stone face.

In the 15th century there was a legend that a female cunning could evade the Mouth of Truth. There was a thought that a woman, suspected of betrayal, has to put her hand into the mouth of the stone deity. Nothing will happen to an innocent, and a sinner will lose her hand.

Once, a frivolous wife of a Roman nobleman was subjected to trial using the Mouth of Truth. When a woman was about to put her fingers into the stone mouth, a holy fool ran out of a crowd, hugged her, and kissed her. After the insane were driven away, the trial continued. When they asked her if some other man, except her husband, had touched and kissed her, Donna pointed only at the madman.

Legend of the Mouth of Truth in Rome

Having fearlessly put her hand into the stone mouth, she remained untouched. The judges and her honorable spouse didn’t give a thought that role of a holy fool has been played by her real lover. The name “Mouth of Truth” was assigned to the disc in the middle of the 15th century, and it was installed vertically only in 1632 by Pope Urbano VIII Barberini. At first, it was located directly in front of the church, and then – moved to the portico.

You might also like an article about Piazza Barberini

The Mouth of Truth in Art – Roman Holiday Movie

In the 15th century, Danish engraver Lucas van Leyden created a series of works named “Power of Women,” using the Mouth of Truth as one of the decorations. In English-speaking countries, the Mouth of Truth became known in 1953 due to the movie “Roman Holiday.”

Interestingly, the ancient artifact has served as the voice of truth for Gregory Peck’s and Audrey Hepburn‘s characters because they were not honest with each other.

In 2000, a scene from “Roman Holiday” was recreated in the Japanese film “Sleeping Bride” by Hideo Nakata. Also, similar references were used in the American melodrama “Only You” with Robert Downey Jr. and Marisa Tomei.

In 1968, American writer Robert Silverberg published his futuristic novel “Nightwings.” The plot leads us to the future, to the city, a science fiction projection of Rome. The climax occurs in front of the Mouth of Truth, where the main characters reveal their secrets.

The Mouth of Truth in Rome

In addition, the image of the mask is used as a decoration for the electronic machine, issuing tickets with the predictions produced by the company DPS-Promatic. Mechanical oracles are famous in Italy, Britain, Spain, China, Japan, and Turkey. You also can find such an imitation of the mysterious ancient disc in the botanical parks of the United States and France.

Nearby Attractions

Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin
0 min 30 ft 10 m
Arch of Janus
3 min 560 ft 170 m
Rose Garden
8 min 1250 ft 380 m
The Church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere
8 min 1280 ft 390 m
Circus Maximus
8 min 1280 ft 390 m
Tiber Island
8 min 1350 ft 410 m
Monument to Giuseppe Mazzini
9 min 1410 ft 430 m
Theater of Marcellus
9 min 1410 ft 430 m
Great Synagogue
10 min 1640 ft 500 m
Palatine Hill
11 min 1770 ft 540 m

Author: Artur Jakucewicz

Artur Jakucewicz

I have lived in Rome for over 10 years and am glad to share my experience and knowledge. I love ancient history and architecture — author of travel guides in Italy for independent travelers.

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About us ROME.US Authors Kate Zusmann and Artur Jakucewicz
2025.We're Kate and Artur, a duo bound by our shared fascination with the Eternal City – Rome. Our paths, driven by a mutual passion for its timeless stories and architectural marvels, converged in a way we had never imagined.

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