Simple, easy, delightful monument to adore. And I do adore it!

The Mouth of Truth is an ancient Roman marble mask, which stands against the left wall of the portico of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church, at the Piazza della Bocca della Verità, the site of the ancient Forum Boarium (the ancient cattle market). According to an enduring medieval legend, it will bite off the hand of any liar who places their hand in its mouth, or, alternatively, any who utters a lie while their hand is in the mouth. It still attracts many visitors who insert their hands.

I first learned of this delightful remnant of the ancient world from the movies! Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn. Without question, my favorite film of all time! If you can’t get to Rome to see the mysterious artifact, I am sure you can stream the film!

Goditi! Enjoy yourself!