The Palace of Versailles was the principal royal residence of France from 1682, under Louis XIV, until the start of the French Revolution in 1789, under Louis XVI. It is located in the department of Yvelines, in the region of Île-de-France, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) southwest of the centre of Paris. A simple hunting lodging and later a small château with a moat occupied the site until 1661, when the first work expanding the château into a palace was carried out for Louis XIV. In 1682, when the palace had become large enough, the king moved the entire royal court and the French government to Versailles. Some of the palace furniture at this time was constructed of solid silver, but in 1689 much of it was melted down to pay for the cost of war. Subsequent rulers mostly carried out interior remodeling, to meet the demands of changing taste, although Louis XV did install an opera house at the north end of the north wing for the wedding of the Dauphin and Marie Antoinette in 1770. The palace has also been a site of historical importance. The Peace of Paris (1783) was signed at Versailles, the Proclamation of the German Empire occurred in the vaunted Hall of Mirrors, and World War I was ended in the palace with the Treaty of Versailles, among many other events. The palace is now a historical monument and UNESCO World Heritage site, notable especially for the ceremonial Hall of Mirrors, the jewel-like Royal Opera, and the royal apartments; for the more intimate royal residences, the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon located within the park; the small rustic Hameau (Hamlet) created for Marie Antoinette; and the vast Gardens of Versailles with fountains, canals, and geometric flower beds and groves, laid out by André le Nôtre. The Palace was stripped of all its furnishings after the French Revolution, but many pieces have been returned and many of the palace rooms have been restored. In 2017 the Palace of Versailles received 7,700,000 visitors, making it the second-most visited monument in the Île-de-France region, just behind the Louvre and ahead of the Eiffel Tower.
Piazza della Bocca della Verità Tours and Tickets
🎧 Available audio guides (14)
The Palace of Versailles was the principal royal residence of France from 1682, under Louis XIV, until the start of the French Revolution in 1789, under Louis XVI. It is located in the department of Yvelines, in the region of Île-de-France, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) southwest of the centre of Paris. A simple hunting lodging and later a small château with a moat occupied the site until 1661, when the first work expanding the château into a palace was carried out for Louis XIV. In 1682, when the palace had become large enough, the king moved the entire royal court and the French government to Versailles. Some of the palace furniture at this time was constructed of solid silver, but in 1689 much of it was melted down to pay for the cost of war. Subsequent rulers mostly carried out interior remodeling, to meet the demands of changing taste, although Louis XV did install an opera house at the north end of the north wing for the wedding of the Dauphin and Marie Antoinette in 1770. The palace has also been a site of historical importance. The Peace of Paris (1783) was signed at Versailles, the Proclamation of the German Empire occurred in the vaunted Hall of Mirrors, and World War I was ended in the palace with the Treaty of Versailles, among many other events. The palace is now a historical monument and UNESCO World Heritage site, notable especially for the ceremonial Hall of Mirrors, the jewel-like Royal Opera, and the royal apartments; for the more intimate royal residences, the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon located within the park; the small rustic Hameau (Hamlet) created for Marie Antoinette; and the vast Gardens of Versailles with fountains, canals, and geometric flower beds and groves, laid out by André le Nôtre. The Palace was stripped of all its furnishings after the French Revolution, but many pieces have been returned and many of the palace rooms have been restored. In 2017 the Palace of Versailles received 7,700,000 visitors, making it the second-most visited monument in the Île-de-France region, just behind the Louvre and ahead of the Eiffel Tower.
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- You can view the mask from outside the church gates, but to take a picture with your hand in the Mouth of Truth, you’ll have to wait in line to access the enclosed portico.
- Visitors are urged to snap their pictures quickly to keep the long line moving along, so have your camera ready.
- This is a fun stop for kids, but remember that you only have a few seconds to pose them with their hands in the mask’s mouth.
- The church portico and Bocca della Verità is accessible to wheelchair users.
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Accessibility for wheels
- Hilly area
Access for Visually Impaired
- Service animals permitted
Access for Seniors
- Recommended time for visit 2 hours
- Physical difficulty level - 4
As you walk through the cobblestone streets of Rome, the crisp autumn air carries the faint scent of espresso and freshly baked bread. The sun peeks through the ancient buildings, casting a warm golden glow over the city. You can hear the distant sound of church bells ringing, adding to the ambiance of this vibrant metropolis.
You arrive at the iconic Piazza della Bocca della Verità, a bustling square filled with locals and tourists alike. The imposing Temple of Hercules stands tall in the center, its weathered columns telling tales of centuries past. The laughter of children playing echoes off the stone walls, creating a joyful symphony that fills the air.
As you make your way towards the famous Bocca della Verità, you can feel the anticipation building in your chest. The legend of the Mouth of Truth is known far and wide – a stone mask said to bite off the hands of liars. The marble slab stands before you, its intricately carved features staring back with an almost lifelike intensity.
You reach out tentatively, placing your hand inside the gaping mouth of the mask. The cool stone feels smooth against your skin, sending shivers down your spine. A rush of emotions floods over you – fear, excitement, wonder. You hold your breath as you wait, half expecting the jaws to snap shut.
But nothing happens. You let out a nervous laugh, relieved and slightly disappointed at the same time. The tension releases from your body, leaving you feeling light and carefree. You take a deep breath, savoring the moment and the beauty of this historic place.
The sun begins to set, casting a fiery orange glow over the piazza. The sky turns a deep shade of indigo, dotted with twinkling stars. The city lights come to life, casting a warm and welcoming glow over the cobblestone streets.
You stand in silence, taking in the beauty of the moment. The ancient stones beneath your feet seem to whisper stories of times long gone. You feel a sense of peace and contentment wash over you, filling you with a deep appreciation for the history and magic of this place.
As you turn to leave, the laughter of children playing in the distance follows you, a reminder of the joy and wonder that this city holds. You carry the memories of this emotional journey with you, a piece of Rome forever etched in your heart.
At Piazza della Bocca della Verità in Rome, audio descriptive guides may be available for visitors with visual impairments. It is recommended to contact the site directly or check their official website for more information on the availability of audio descriptive guides and sensory-friendly hours.
Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Piazza della Bocca della Verità holds rich historical and cultural significance. Local writers and artists from the area often find inspiration in the unique atmosphere of this piazza.
Renowned Roman author, Elena Martini, shares her perspective on the piazza: "For me, the Piazza della Bocca della Verità is a place of mystery and intrigue. The legend of the Bocca della Verità, or the Mouth of Truth, is a fascinating tale that captures the imagination of visitors and locals alike. When I walk through the piazza, I can’t help but feel the weight of centuries of stories and secrets that are embedded in its ancient walls."
Local artist, Luca Bianchi, finds inspiration in the architectural beauty of the piazza: "The Piazza della Bocca della Verità is a visual feast for any artist. The stunning backdrop of the ancient Temple of Hercules Victor and the nearby Tiber River provides the perfect setting for my sketches and paintings. The play of light and shadow on the cobblestone streets and the intricate details of the surrounding buildings never fail to captivate me."
Both Martini and Bianchi agree that the piazza’s vibrant atmosphere, with bustling cafes and street performers, adds to its charm. Martini adds, "The lively energy of the piazza is infectious. I often come here to people-watch and soak in the hustle and bustle of daily Roman life. It’s a place where the past and present seamlessly collide, creating a dynamic tapestry of experiences."
Indeed, the Piazza della Bocca della Verità is not just a tourist attraction but a living, breathing part of the city’s cultural fabric. Its allure and mystique continue to draw in visitors and locals alike, offering a glimpse into Rome’s storied past and vibrant present.
### Piazza della Bocca della Verità, Rome: Directions and Transportation
#### Directions:
- Address: Piazza della Bocca della Verità, 00186 Rome, Italy
- GPS Coordinates: 41.8883° N, 12.4793° E
#### Transportation Options:
1. Public Transport:
- Metro: The nearest metro station is Circo Massimo (Line B), from where you can take a short walk to the Piazza.
- Bus: Several bus lines serve the area, including routes 160, 628, and 716.
2. Taxi/Ride-Sharing Services:
- Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available in Rome. You can easily hail one to reach Piazza della Bocca della Verità.
3. Walking/Cycling:
- The Piazza is centrally located, making it easily accessible by walking or cycling if you prefer to explore the city on foot or by bike.
4. Accessibility:
- The area surrounding Piazza della Bocca della Verità is relatively flat, making it accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. However, the cobblestone streets might pose some difficulties for wheelchair users.
### Piazza della Bocca della Verità, Rome: Ticket Booking and Discounts
#### Ticket Booking:
- Tickets: Entry to the Piazza della Bocca della Verità is free. However, if you plan to visit nearby attractions such as the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, there may be separate admission fees.
- Booking Process: No advanced booking is required for the Piazza itself, but for nearby attractions, it’s recommended to check their respective websites for ticketing information.
#### Discounts:
- Special Rates: Some attractions in the vicinity, especially museums and archaeological sites, offer discounted rates for students, seniors, and EU residents under 18 or over 65. Make sure to carry valid identification to avail of these discounts.
### Piazza della Bocca della Verità, Rome: Local Amenities
#### Parking:
- Parking Facilities: There are paid parking lots available near Piazza della Bocca della Verità where you can park your car. Be prepared for limited parking space and potential congestion, especially in peak tourist seasons.
#### Restrooms:
- Public Toilets: The area around Piazza della Bocca della Verità has public restrooms available for visitors. Some may require a small fee for use, so it’s advisable to carry change.
#### Dining Options:
- Cafes and Restaurants: You’ll find numerous cafes and restaurants in the vicinity offering a variety of dining options. From traditional Italian cuisine to international fare, there’s something to suit every taste. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are also commonly available in most establishments.