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...
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...
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin (Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin) on Map
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:
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rome, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Rome
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour
Filmed entirely in the heart of Rome, Roman Holiday is one of those timeless films that beckons you to hop on a Vespa and lose yourself in the intoxicating beauty of the Italian capital. Released in 1953, this beloved classic has captured hearts across generations, thanks to its irresistible blend of romance, adventure, and charm鈥攁nchored by two of Hollywood鈥檚 brightest stars, Audrey Hepburn... view more
Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 8.5 Km or 5.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 8.5 Km or 5.3 Miles
Palatine Hill Walking Tour
Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and the most ancient part of the capital. Based on Roman mythology and archaeological evidence, this hill is considered the birthplace of the city 鈥� a place where legendary Romulus founded it in 753 BC. Furthermore, the very word 鈥減alace鈥� 鈥� indicating the emperor鈥檚 residence (鈥淧alatium鈥�), much as that of other dignitaries and prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour
Loved by tourists for its busy fashionable streets and significant baroque icons, the so-called 鈥楾ridente鈥� is one of the Eternal City's most lusted-after areas, formed by Via dei Condotti, Via Borgognona, Via Frattina and the adjacent Via del Corso. It is perhaps the most high-end destination for Roman shopping, with a concentration of renowned jewelers and important Italian/international... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Hidden Art Treasures in Rome
Rome is one of the world's top living museums, replete with some of the most iconic pieces of art on the face of the planet. Famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, to mention but a few, had lived and worked here and left indelible marks in the city.
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Vatican Walking Tour
Consisting of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, the Vatican is the world鈥檚 smallest sovereign state, as well as a symbol (and headquarters) of the Roman Catholic faith. Although only 44 hectares in surface, one is amazed by the vastness of this place and the sheer size of everything. When gazing around in all directions, you realize how much can be achieved by people working in faith for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Holy Sites Walking Tour
As the cradle of the Catholic Church, one of the world's largest organizations, Rome has a large number of valuable, sacred places of worship. Crowded with architectural splendors from different periods of time, each of its churches and basilicas represent a significant part of culture and history.
Take this self-guided walking tour to discover Rome's magnificent religious heritage,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.9 Km or 4.3 Miles
Take this self-guided walking tour to discover Rome's magnificent religious heritage,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.9 Km or 4.3 Miles
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