W2-10: Santa Maria in Cosmedin

W2-10: SANTA MARIA IN COSMEDIN

That this church belongs to the Greek liturgy is not surprising as quite a few elements indicate that this neighborhood has had a Greek influence for a long time. Archaeological research clearly points in that direction. Previous names such as Ripa Greca (or Greek bank) further emphasize this.

Every day, hordes of tourists are brought in by buses to press their little hand with a timid heart into the mouth of the giant at the Bocca della Verità only to later (!) conclude that their conscience has been soothed for that day. But not everyone can appreciate this daily parade on the catwalk of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, and there has often been discussion about somehow making access paid.

An article about this issue appeared in Il Messaggero back in 2016. However, this raises the question of who would be entitled to collect this tax? The city, the state, the ministry of culture, the diocese, the Vatican, the Greek-Catholic church...

Marc Vandenbon