Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin (Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin), Rome

The Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin, a minor basilica in Rome, is a historical church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Originally built in the 6th century as a deaconry, it served the Greek community of Rome and followed Eastern rites. Over time, it expanded and evolved, undergoing major renovations in the 8th and 12th centuries, when its bell tower was added. Today, the church is known not only for its architecture but also for its relics.

Among the most intriguing of them is a skull crowned with flowers, located in a side altar, believed to belong to Saint Valentine, the 3rd-century martyr. However, the true identity of this relic remains uncertain. Despite this ambiguity, it continues to draw interest, especially among those fascinated by the history of Valentine鈥檚 Day celebrated on February 14.

Still, perhaps the most famous attraction of the church is the Mouth of Truth. This massive marble mask, weighing about 1,300 kg (or 2,900 lbs), is believed to represent Oceanus, the Greco-Roman sea god. While its original function remains debated, theories suggest it was either a drain cover from the nearby Temple of Hercules Victor, used for sacrificial blood drainage, or a decorative element of the ancient Forum Boarium. By the 13th century, it was placed near the church, eventually moving to its current location in the 17th century.

The Mouth of Truth is best known for its medieval legend, which claims that anyone placing their hand inside and telling a lie will have their hand bitten off. Though this has never been proven (or at least, no official reports exist!), the myth has endured, attracting countless tourists eager to test their honesty鈥攁fter paying a small fee, of course.

Its global fame skyrocketed in 1953, thanks to the film "Roman Holiday", starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. In a memorable and most hilarious scene, Peck pretends to lose his hand in the Mouth of Truth, terrifying Hepburn in a brilliant unscripted prank that the director decided to keep in the final cut. Hepburn鈥檚 genuine shock added a great deal of charm to the scene. The film鈥檚 success turned the site into an international tourist hotspot, with visitors lining up from 9 a.m. just to recreate the famous scene.

If you're in Rome, why not try your luck? Just remember to have some cash ready鈥攂ecause if not, you might have to pay in other ways... including, perhaps, your own hand...

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Sight Name: Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin (Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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