The mouth of the truth – an ancient lie detector before which people fell into unconsciousness – life
Long before modern lies detectors are invented, people were trying to reach the truth in various ways. One such « tests » can still be seen in Rome today – it is a marble relief known as the mouth of the truth, located at the entrance to the Basilica of St. Mary in Kossedin.
The mouth of the truths are round relief from the 17th century, but this basilica stands out and one of the highest bell tower in Rhyme.
According to the legend, whoever would put his hand in the mouth of the truth and lied, his hand would be cut off. The sculpture was originally located on the Piazza Della Bocca Della Verità, in order to 1632. was relied on the external wall of the Church, where it was still located today.
Legend of cheaters and rescue
One of the most famous stories related to the mouth of the truth is about a husband who suspected his wife’s loyalty. He took her to the very truth that she was tempted. In order to save, the woman fainted, and the lover who found nearby caught her arms. When she was reinforced, she was swearing that she was only her husband and a man who just saved her – and thus preserved her hand. Today this place attracts many tourists who patiently awaiting order to take a picture with the mouth of the truth.
Basilica of St. Mary in Kosmedin
Inside the church there is an interesting relic – skulls decorated with a venzam of flowers, attributed to the Holy Valentine, Protector of Valentine. Although there were more saints with that name, it is not entirely clear to whom the skull belongs exactly, but it still respects as a symbol of love and happy marriages, writes Cuper.
Basilica hides and crypt from the 8th century below the main altar, with a small altar and a spatial for storing relics and urns. Among the interesting things of the Church stand out for medieval frescoes, and if you pass the souvenir shop, it is worth raising the left and see the « flying skeleton », skillfully placed at the top of the built-in grave monument.
Follow us on our Facebook and Instagram page, but also on X account. Subscribe to PDF List release today.