Circus Maximus Bus Stop - Mouth of Truth & Aventine Hill

The Circo Massimo (Circus Maximus) stop is often quieter than the Colosseum, but it sits at the crossroads of three fascinating areas: The Palatine, the Aventine, and the River side.

The Circus Itself: Imagination Required

Once, this was the greatest stadium in the world, holding 150,000 screaming fans watching chariot races (think Ben-Hur).

• Today: It is a massive, elongated public park. The stands are gone, leaving just the outline of the track.
• Activity: It is a great place to walk, jog, or sit on the grass away from the car fumes. You get a perfect view of the ruins of the Imperial Palaces towering above you on the Palatine Hill.

The Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità)

A 5-minute walk from the bus stop (towards the river) brings you to the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.

• The Attraction: Under the portico sits an ancient stone manhole cover with a face.
• The Legend: Medieval legend says if you tell a lie with your hand in its mouth, it will bite it off.
• The Reality: There is usually a line of tourists waiting to take the classic photo (popularized by Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday). A small donation is requested.

The Aventine Hill: Rome's Secret Garden

Cross the Circus Maximus and climb the hill on the opposite side of the Palatine. This is the Aventine, a wealthy, quiet residential hill.

1. Roseto Comunale (Rose Garden): Spectacular in May and June when thousands of roses are in bloom.
2. Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden): A walled park filled with orange trees. Walk to the terrace at the end for one of the most romantic views of Rome and the Vatican.
3. The Keyhole: Further along is the Villa of the Knights of Malta. You will see a line of people waiting to look through a door. Why? The keyhole perfectly frames the Dome of St. Peter's at the end of a garden tunnel.

This stop is perfect for those who like to walk and find "hidden" Rome away from the aggressive tour sellers.