Santa Maria in Cosmedin The church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin was originally built in the sixth century, and has been regularly developed since then, with the current facade being a 19th century restoration of the medieval one. The most famous feature of the church is the Bocca della Veritá ("mouth of truth"), which featured in the film Roman Holiday.
Things to See
Of particular note at Santa Maria in Cosmedin is the medieval choir enclosure and baldachino. The word Cosmedin comes from the Greek kosmidion, meaning beautiful. Sadly however, the interior of the church seems to have been a little neglected over the years, and much of the art is in need of restoration. The high altar contains the skull of St. Valentine, which is brought out each year on - naturally enough - February 14th.
The Bocca della Veritá
Santa Maria in Cosmedin is best known for being home to the Bocca Della Veritá. This is a large, round face carved on a flat piece of marble, which is propped up against the wall in the portico of the church. Tourists queue up to place their hand in the mouth of the sculpture, following the legend that, should they tell a lie while their hand is in place, the face will bite them. There are two theories regarding the origin of the carving. One is that it is an ancient drain cover, and the other is that it was once part of a fountain.
Getting There
Santa Maria in Cosmedin is located on Piazza Bocca della Veritá, between the western end of the Circus Maximus and the Tiber. It's most easily reached either by walking along the river until you reach the Piazza (the church is visible from the Lungotevere Aventino). Alternatively, tie it in with a trip to the Circus Maximus and get there by taking the metro Linea B to Circo Massimo.
Opening Hours
The church is open 10am-1pm & 3pm-5pm, and the portico - containing the Mouth of Truth - is open 9am-1pm & 2.30pm-6pm (although be warned that they sometimes close the portico when they close the church).