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How do you know if someone is lying?
Well, you can strap them to a lie detector and administer the test.
If you happen to be in Rome, however, you can take them to the Mouth of Truth.
Located under the portico at the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, the carved marble disk, also known as the La Bocca della Verita, displays the face of a man.
And he bites...if you are a liar!
Dating back to around the 1st century CE, the carving is of a humanoid face with hollow holes for eyes and a gaping mouth. Though it is not sure why it was created, it has been theorized that the medallion acted as a manhole cover, a fountain decoration or maybe even a ceremonial well cover. Possibly a pagan god, no one is entirely sure whose features the face was modeled on.
This face, however, is thought to elicit the truth from those who dare to place their hand in its mouth, as it is either the truth or a bite.
Be prepared for a long wait, the line always extends outside of the church onto the sidewalk. If you really don’t want to wait, however, you can always just take a quick picture through the bars. If you do wait, however, be prepared to tell the truth if a question is asked of you!
So, did I get a question?
My son asked me if I was having fun.
The answer?
YES!
I was getting to share all of my favorite sites in Rome with him!
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Mouth of Truth
- Address: Piazza della Bocca della Verità, 18, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
- Hours: 0930-1750, daily
- Admission: free