The Art:

(from left to right) A cheap ceramic replica of La Bocca della Veritå;  the ‘real deal’ in Rome; and Audrey Hepburn testing its powers in the movie Roman Holiday.

The Story: (or how I discovered La Bocca della Verità)

On my first ever visit to Rome, I wasn’t exactly bilingual (knowing only four words of Italian: fart, hooker, soother and ass), so when the owner of a trattoria told my friend and I we must visit the ‘Mouth of Truth’, it required an English/Italian dictionary and a little deductive reasoning to figure out that this was some sort of Oracle from ancient times.

Lucky for us, it’s not required that you be a vestal virgin to gain access to this soothsayer – La Bocca della Verità is easily accessible to anyone, situated 50 yards off one of the busiest streets in Rome in the portico of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin near Circo Massimo.

The Church is located near the far end of Circo Massimo (Circus Maximus) where chariot races were once held.

Once in the presence of this six-foot face, it is impossible not to want to test the gods and practice the ritual: stick your hand in the open mouth, and when asked a question, answer truthfully, or as legend has it, your hand will be bitten off.

Brigitte Bardot trying her hand at La Bocca della Veritå

Whether you believe this is nothing more than a 2000 year-old manhole cover, or a Seer of mythic proportions is a question of science or faith. But whatever you decide, one thing is true: La Bocca della Verità is only one of many examples in Rome where you can round a corner in this multi-layered historic city and find yourself face to face with the past. Literally.

As for whether you dare to tell the truth about your own past…well, that’s up to you.

Smaller streets are the best way to explore Rome’s neighbourhoods, and are safe to wander.

The Fact: There’s no better way to explore Rome than to wander off the busier streets. Not only will you find little hole-in-the-wall places to shop (like where I bought my plaque) or small cafes where you can have a coffee, you’ll probably find that the prices are better if there isn’t a famous fountain in view. Sitting down will cost you more, however, no matter where you go, but once seated, no one will hustle you out any time soon. So take advantage of what that little extra charge buys you – time to enjoy the Eternal City. 

Jane Canapini is a member of the Travel Media Association of Canada and the North American Travel Journalists Association. She established GrownupTravels.com in 2014 to share information and tips based on personal experience so her readers could get the most out of their travels.