Piazza della Bocca della Verità

The Basics

Legend holds that the Bocca della Verità, probably originally a 1st-century drain cover from the nearby Temple of Hercules Victor, will bite off the hand of anyone who dares speak an untruth while inserting a hand in the mask’s open mouth. Audiences were charmed by Audrey Hepburn’s reaction when Gregory Peck feigned having his hand devoured in their iconic romantic comedy, and today visitors in Rome line up in droves to put the legend to the test.

The Bocca della Verità is one of the most beloved and whimsical attractions in Rome, and Piazza della Bocca della Verità is included in many walking, bike, and Vespa tours of the city’s highlights. Visit the legendary sculpted mask as part of a classic Fiat 500 tour of the Eternal City, or combine a visit with skip-the-line tickets for the nearby Colosseum and the Vatican Museums.

Things to Know Before You Go

• You can view the mask from outside the church gates, but to take a picture with your hand in the Mouth of Truth, you’ll have to wait in line to access the enclosed portico.

• Visitors are urged to snap their pictures quickly to keep the long line moving along, so have your camera ready.

• This is a fun stop for kids, but remember that you only have a few seconds to pose them with their hands in the mask’s mouth.

• The church portico and Bocca della Verità is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

Piazza della Bocca della Verità is along the Tiber River just across the Ponte Palatino bridge from the Trastevere neighborhood. A number of city buses from the Termini train station and across the city stop in or near the square.

When to Get There

The marble mask is only accessible when the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is open, as it is located under the portico behind the church gates. Plan to get there first thing in the morning when the portico opens to avoid the long lines that form later in the day.

Other Sights in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin

After your snapshot of the Bocca della Verità, take a few minutes to visit Santa Maria in Cosmedin, one of the most important medieval churches in Rome. The church has the tallest medieval bell tower in the city and beautiful Cosmatesque floors, and is home to what many believe to be the skull of Saint Valentine.

Ways to explore

Legend holds that the Bocca della Verità will bite off the hand of anyone who lies while touching the mask’s open mouth; today, visitors in Rome line up in droves to put the tale to the test. Queue up for a photo while visiting the basilica, and be sure to check out the Temple of Hercules Victor, Rome’s oldest preserved marble building, afterward. You can also see the Piazza della Bocca della Verità on walking, bike, and Vespa tours of Rome’s highlights, or combine it with skip-the-line tickets for the nearby Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Accessibility

The piazza has flat, accessible sidewalks leading to its attractions—just be aware of cobblestones while crossing the road through the square.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, cash for the Bocca della Verità visiting fee

What to wear

Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the piazza and surrounding sights, as well as clothing that covers your shoulders and knees to enter the church.

Not allowed

The Bocca della Verità is a popular attraction, so have your camera ready to avoid holding up the line.

Amenities

Luggage storage and dining options are located near the square.

Address

Positioned along the Tiber River in central Rome, the Piazza della Bocca della Verità is a short walk from the Circus Maximus, Theatre of Marcellus, and Roman Forum. Get there on foot to see ancient attractions along the way, or reach the square by car or public transportation.

Driving

Heavy traffic and limited parking make it difficult to self-navigate in central Rome, but taxis and rideshares are widely available to get you to the Piazza della Bocca della Verità.

Public transportation

Several bus lines pass by the Bocca della Verità bus stop, and the Rome Metro’s Circo Massimo station—reachable on Line B from the Colosseum and Roma Termini train station—is about a 10-minute walk away.

Best times to visit

Since there’s minimal shade, visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the hot sun and enjoy shorter lines at the Bocca della Verità, which is busiest at midday.

Best days to visit

The Bocca della Verità typically sees its longest lines on weekends, so stop by the piazza on a weekday for fewer crowds.

Best months to visit

For the best weather while exploring the piazza’s basilica and ancient artifacts, visit Rome from March–May or September–October.