
The basilica was built on the site of an old pagan temple and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church was renovated at the beginning of the 12th century. The famous "mouth of truth" is located in the "Santa Maria in Cosmedin" church. It is believed that if one puts the cancer in the hole and tells a lie, it will be cut off. This detail was placed on the tremot of Santa Maria in Cosmedin in the 17th century.