Piazza Bocca Della Verita

Well, here's a turn up for the books, a holiday and not a beach in site. Our 25th wedding anniversary will be spent here in the Eternal City. Rome.
We booked through Expedia way back in August last year, that seems a life time away now, but not as long ago as our wedding, where did that 25 years go.......??

So here we are on the balcony of our fifth floor room, taking in the views, before we start on the sightseeing.

Before us and slightly to the left is Piazza Bocca Della Verita, the feature that gives the square it's name is the Bocca Della Verita (Mouth Of Truth). An Ancient Roman drain cover in the shape of an enormous face, that in medieval time would apparently swallow the hand of anyone who hadn't told the truth. It was particularly popular with husbands who wanted to test the fidelity of their wives.

The piazza's church, Santa Maria in Cosmedin stands opposite the two temples which are in my image, the circular Temple is officially known as The Temple of Hercules Victor, but is better known as The Temple of Vesta, while the rectangular temple is known as The Temple of Portunus. They are two of the cities better preserved temples dating from the end of the second century AD.

The bridge in the background is Ponte Palatino, which crosses the River Tiber, just a stones throw away.........

Larger image...........

Thats it for now.

Arrivederci.

j.