Bocca della Verità is one of the must-see attractions in Rome. A giant bearded face is carved into a marble disc and the eyes, nose and mouth are holes. It may not be as famous as the Colosseum (Link: The Colosseum), the Fontana di Trevi (Link: Trevi Fountain) or the Vatican (Link: What to see in the Vatican) but its origin, shrouded in mystery and magic, attracts visitors who want to see for themselves this curious monument. Read on to discover the legend behind the Bocca.
Where is the Bocca in Rome?
The Bocca della Verità was situated in Plaza de la Bocca della Veritá until 1632 before it was moved to one of the walls of the Santa María in Cosmedin church, near the renowned Circo Máximo and Monte Palatino. There are usually long queues of people looking to get a shot of their hand in the Bocca so you’ll need to set aside some time and the patience of Job as you wait your turn to see the carved face of some believe to be Neptune, the Roman god of the sea.
The legend behind the Bocca
What would an ancient monument be without a legend? The Bocca is no exception but perhaps what makes it so unique is the abundance of legends trying to explain its origins and why it was created. One thing is clear, they all concur that the mask was created to determine if people are being truthful or not.
One of the more plausible legends is the tale of a Roman who believed his wife was cheating on him but had no proof. Desperate to find out the truth, he brought her before the monument and told her to place her hand in the mouth. He then told her that if she lied about the affair, the mouth would close shut and she’d lose her hand. Right when he was about to ask her the question, she pretended to faint so she wouldn’t have to place her hand in the mouth. Her lover showed up right then too to save her. She swore she had only loved two men in her life: her husband and her lover.
Another legend talks about a beautiful empress who had been unfaithful to her husband on several accounts but managed to escape the Bocca thanks to her brilliant argumentative defence.
There is even a 12th-century German manuscript that says it’s the Devil himself that hides behind the mask and bites of the hands of liars.
The Bocca in films
There isn’t a single place in Rome that isn’t movie-worthy. So much so in fact, that the list of films set in this timeless city is endless. The Bocca made an appearance in Roman Holiday directed by William Willer and starring Gregory Peck as Joe and Audrey Hepburn as Ann. The scene where Joe tries to trick Ann into thinking his hand had been bitten off by the mask was actually a real joke Peck tried on Hepburn but her reaction had been so natural and spontaneous the director decided it should be included in the film.
Where to eat near Bocca della Verità
There are delicious Italian restaurants everywhere you turn in Rome and the neighbourhood around Bocca della Verità won’t disappoint for lunch or dinner, which of course should be ended with a heavenly Italian dessert.
Ristorante Arlù
Once you’ve looked into the eyes of the Bocca, it’s time to enjoy a succulent meal made only with the freshest of ingredients and experience the renowned, warm, Italian hospitality. Ristorante Arlù is one of the top restaurants in this part of the city and an ideal place to do so. It first opened in 1959 and the founders’ passion and commitment to quality cuisine has been passed down from generation to generation. In fact, Arlù combines the first letters that make up the founders’ names Armando and Lucía. Today, the restaurant is spearheaded by two of their daughters who ensure only the most carefully curated menu is available to patrons.
Gelateria ai Cerchi
There is only one way to end a succulent meal and that is with one of Rome’s stellar desserts – gelato. Like the expression says ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’ so having a gelato is an absolute must when visiting. La Gelateria ai Cerchi is located just a stone’s throw away from Bocca della Verità and offers every flavour imaginable. You can enjoy the gelato onsite or order for take away.
What to visit near Bocca della Verità
It is no secret that Rome is steeped with history and no matter where you go, you’ll stumble upon historical monuments. One such example is Fontana dei Tritoni, located just in the vicinity of the Bocca. The fountain may not be as famous as Fontana de Trevi but it is a popular attraction as it is located right in front of the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin where the Bocca is located. Though the basilica is impressive for its ornaments, such as the cathedra, the choir and mosaic floors, it stands out especially because it houses the alleged skull of St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers.
