Description: There's a few place in Rome that I've wanted to see, but they never made my list of the 'must-see' places on earlier trips to the Eternal City. One of those places was the "Bocca della Verita" (mouth of truth), which was made famous on the film, "Roman Holiday".
During our last trip to Italy, we had a half a day in Rome before flying out, and just wanted a relaxing afternoon of walking around and seeing a few sites that weren't swarming with tourists. So we strolled down the banks of the Tiber, past the Jewish Ghetto area, and towards Palantine Hill. When we arrived near Circus Maximus, the Piazza della Bocca della Verita appeared, and it was such a beautiful area. We sat by the fountain and some ruins in the piazza before heading to the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin where the Bocca della Verita is located.
I wasn't expecting there to be a line, but there was a substantial one in place when we arrived. We decided to wait in the queue which formed inside the gates along the front courtyard area of the church where the old stone circular sculpture is located. Although there's no admission fee, there is a "donation" box at the front where a volunteer stands and offers to take a photo for you with your camera.
After we took the iconic photo, we proceeded to the interior of the church which I didn't really know much about. It actually ended up to be a wonderful part of the visit, and almost more worth a visit than the Bocca della Verita. Founded in 780 in the Byzantine style, this church boasts a relic from St. Valentino.
Both are definitely worth a stop, especially if you're looking for free activities in Rome.
Santa Maria in Cosmedin
Piazza della Bocca della Verità, 18
06-6781419
Open daily 9am-8pm (summer); daily 9am-5pm (off-season)
Free Admission
http://www.dpsusa.com/bocca_verita_history.shtml
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