Piazza della Bocca della Verita
This plain-looking church was built on the site of ancient Rome's food market in the 6th century. It has a Romanesque bell-tower and portico that were added in the 12th century. The Baroque facade was removed in the 19th century to restore the church to its original form. Of particular interest is the mosaic pavement, raised choir, the bishop's throne, and the canopy over the main altar. Set into the wall is the famed Bocca della Verita (Mouth of Truth). This was in the movie, "Roman Holiday". This is thought to have been a drain cover dating before the 4th century B.C. Medieval tradition had it that the formidable jaws of the mouth would snap shut over the hands of those who told lies - which proved to be useful for testing the faithfulness of spouses.