The famous carved stone face that 'bites liars', in a church portico.
🛡️ Independent — no pay-to-rank🔎 Graded for who you are✓ Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →
The verdict
Who it's worth it for
Great for
—
Depends
Solo travellers
History & culture buffs
Photographers
Not for
Travellers on a budget
If you've only got a day
Families with kids
Couples
A skip for most travellers.
Why we say this
Insider secrets & local vibes
The carved stone face made famous by Roman Holiday is a fun, free photo ritual — and it shares a portico with the genuinely beautiful medieval church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.
Not independently verified — estimated
It's a two-minute photo and no more, so it only earns its place if you're already passing through the Bocca / Aventine area.
Not independently verified — estimated
A queue often forms for the single photo — a lot of waiting for very little if you've made a special trip.
Not independently verified — estimated
What it feels like
Reading the room, traveller by traveller
With kids
The 'it bites liars' legend is a quick hit, best chained with the Circus Maximus and Orange Garden up the hill.
As a couple
Worth it only as a beat on an Aventine wander — duck into the church behind it, which most photo-takers skip.
Good to know
Before you go
Cost
Free (€2 suggested donation)
Time
10–20 min
Last verified
2026-06-17
Best time
Early to avoid the photo queue; opening hours follow the church portico.
Getting there
In the portico of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, a short walk from Circo Massimo (Metro B).