Photos of Santa Maria in Cosmedin

The Church of Our Lady of Cosmedin is also known as the Church of Our Lady of Greece. In ancient Rome, it was surrounded by many Byzantine buildings. This area was also known as the Greek Street "ScholaGraeca". Architectural Style The building of the church itself was built in the 6th century and is decorated with Colint columns and Byzantine mosaics. In front of the church there are remnants of the oldest existing temple in Rome, the Temple of Fontena. Rebuilt around the 12th-13th century, it is well worth a visit. The Romanesque bell tower was added later, and it is the tallest medieval bell tower in Rome. The frescoes inside and the marble floors inlaid by the Cosmati brothers are worth seeing. There are many beautiful baroque churches in Rome, but this church is of an early style, spectacular and rare. There is no particularly gorgeous decoration in the current church, but this kind of simple church is also very tasteful. Main point of view: The Mouth of Truth: Because the Mouth of Truth is located inside the church, most tourists come here especially for it. It is a disc engraved with the head of the sea god. In fact, this is a manhole cover in ancient Rome. It is said that if you put your hand in his mouth, you can't pull it out if you lie. In "Roman Holiday", it was the one that terrified the lovely princess.