The Bocca Della Verita

Outside the church of S. Maria in Cosmedin is a small 18th Century porch which houses one of the most unusual sights in Rome. A queue of people waiting to be photographed sticking their hands inside an old manhole cover. The Bocca Della Verita, or "Mouth of Truth" is a 4th Century masnhole cover that depicts a river god. A popular legend claims that anyone who tells a lie while their hand is inside its mouth will have their hand bitten off. Ah well. Keeps the tourists happy I suppose.....

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