Piazza Bocca della Verità

The Forum Boarium, now Piazza Bocca della verità, was the cattle forum (market) of Ancient Rome. It was located on a piece of land near the Tiber between the Capitol, the Palatine and Aventine hills. As the site of the premier port of Rome (Portus Tiberinus), close to the street (north to south), the Forum Boarium experienced intense commercial activity.

The site was also a religious center housing the circular Temple of Hercules Victor and the Temple of Portunus, both converted to Christian churches. Across the street is the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, which hosts the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth), an image, carved from marble, which represents the ancient god of the river Tiber.

Show photo - BACK