Mouth of Truth, Rome

Mouth of Truth, Rome

The Bocca della Verità or Mouth of Truth is a legendary marble mask in the portico of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church.

The Bocca della Verità or Mouth of Truth is a legendary marble mask in the portico of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church. The disc, which weighs 1300 kg, is believed to have originated as a manhole cover. It features a bearded face that is attributed to various entities - sea god Oceanus, Jupiter Amon, an oracle or a faun. It was believed in the Middle Ages that if a person lied while their hand was in the mouth opening, it would slam shut and crush it.

There are various legends associated with the Mouth of Truth. It is believed that 6th century scholar Virgilio Grammatico created it as a lie-detector for people to verify their spouse's loyalty. The 11th century Mirabilia Urbis Romae pilgrim guide alluded to the divine powers of the Mouth, comparing it with the ancient Oracle. A 12th century German text mentions a myth about an emperor who tried to reinstate paganism claiming that Mercury, hidden behind the mask, promised him good fortune if he would worship pagan gods. Of course, the most interesting legend is that of the Roman Empress who bamboozled the Mouth on technicalities. Accused of infidelity, she clandestinely told her lover to feign madness and kiss her in front of all. She then put her hand in the Bocca, and truthfully proclaimed that she had only kissed the 2 men in her life – her husband, and that 'madman'. The Bocca did not shut close as it was true, but stopped functioning thereafter out of aversion.

A favorite with tourists, the Mouth of Truth also featured in 1953's hit summer rom-com 'Roman Holiday' starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.