Rome is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in the world. It is the center of culture, religion, and art, and is considered the birthplace of Western civilization. Among the many attractions in Rome , the mysterious but widely recognized Mouth of Truth stands out as one of the most intriguing places in the city.
The Mouth of Truth is a marble mask depicting a female face with an open mouth. The mask is located on the wall of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church in Rome and is considered one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city. But what are the Mouth of Truth and why do they generate so much interest among visitors?
There are many legends and tales surrounding the Mouth of Truth. One of them states that if a person tells a lie while standing in front of the mask, the Mouth of Truth will close. Others claim that the mask was used in the courts of Ancient Rome and was a symbol of divine truth and justice. It is also known that the Mouth of Truth was used as a lie detector during the times of the Holy Inquisition. The accused would place their hand in the mouth of the mask, behind which stood an executioner with a sword, and if according to the inquisitor, the person was lying, the Mouth of Truth would "bite off" their hand. The number of people who lost their hands here is unknown.
Despite all these dark assumptions and facts, the history of the Mouth of Truth remains a mystery. Some believe that the Mouth of Truth may be connected to the cult of Mithras, which worshiped the god of truth and was widespread in Ancient Rome. Other researchers claim that the mask was used in a Masonic ritual and is a symbol of truth and freedom. It is only known that the mask was created in the 12th century and served either as a decoration for a fortress or as a drainage outlet in Ancient Rome. Later, in the 17th century, the mask was moved to the wall of the church, where it still stands today, to the delight of tourists lining up to take a photo with their hand in the mouth of the mask.
