Located in the narthex of Santa Maria in Cosmedin church which was built over Roman remains part of the then cattle market area of Forum Boarium; across the street is visible a couple of Roman temples (one round shaped, the other classic) saved from complete spoliation because converted into Christian churches. This "mouth" was probably a drain cover in ancient times then it became a kind of lie detector mentioned in the medieval "travel guide" of Mirabilia Urbis Romae. "Roman Holiday", the 1953 film bestowed this as an attraction; Downey Jr. and Tomei's 1994 film "Only you" recalled the scene. Apart of the mask, the church hosts an interesting relic: Saint Valentine's skull. P.S. Come early, if you can before 9:30; donations are expected.

I’ve seen some people moan and I really don’t understand why.. Yes there’s a queue(5-10mins) .Yes there’s someone “in charge”, thankfully. Otherwise there’s be people taking hundreds of pictures/ videos. He was great , very friendly and taking peoples pictures ONLY if it was helpful. I asked him for one but he took 20 different ones for me! And joked! A charge? Absolutely not! A fairly discrete donations box and it made no difference if you donated or not. The tourists all gain our photo op. The church gains what, for all their supervision, patience and help??? The Circo Maximo is two minutes away and a pleasant ( very very) low key green space to sit/ picnic/ take coffee. Bus 85 runs to / from Termini to here and also the coliseum in a circular route. Those three together gave us a great day out.

The Mouth Of Truth has got to be on ones itinerary when visiting Rome! The only actual “truth” known about the marble stone is that it’s been standing against the left wall at the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church, at the Piazza since 1632, though it’s said to be over 2000 years old. There are numerous theories as to what it was originally used for or where it came from but nothing factual. The legend is that if you're given to lying and you put your hand in the mouth it'll be bitten off😳 The Mouth of Truth myth became well-known worldwide thanks to the 1953 film Roman Holiday. The movie was Audrey Hepburn’s breakout role, playing a princess who escapes her royal duties. She finds a reporter, Gregory Peck, who shows her around Rome on his Vespa. All good fun👍🏼… just remember your hand gel after🤪😄

Located near the entrance of Santa Maria in Cosmodin, this is a fun photo op. Expect to queue but it is kept fast moving by the guard on duty. There is no charge but an option to give a donation to the church. The church itself is also worth a look as it is very pretty and contains some interesting relics.