Piazza Mouth of Truth

Piazza della Bocca della Verità. (Open Map)
(75)

Description

One of the most characteristic places in Rome corresponding to the Foro Boario, one of the most beautiful buildings of Republican Rome. 

Here is the temple of Fortuna Virile, an example of Greek-Italian architecture, built around 100 BC; and the Temple of Vesta (so called because is similar to the temple of Vesta in the Roman Forum) built in the Augustan age. 

At the end of the square is the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, built in the 11th century upon a great porticoed building. The church was then given to the Greeks who established themselves near the Tiber. The façade dates back to the 18th century, the bell tower to the 12th century. 

Inside the portico is the famous “Mouth of truth” – a drain cover in the style of a mask – linked to the famous legend: it was believed that if one told a lie with his hand in the mouth of the sculpture, it would be bitten off.