Superstitions, miracles and magic around the world

Whether it's kissable stones, miracle healing or hand-eating manhole covers, there are many places out there with weird and wonderful beliefs and customs attached. These attractions pull tourists from all over the globe, keen to put alleged magical powers to the test or just indulge in fascinating mythologies. But where are these places? Come on our expedition around the world...

The Mouth of Truth, Rome, Italy

La Bocca della Verità is perhaps the only former manhole cover in the world that acts as a lie detector. Standing outside the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, it supposedly catches out liars. The Mouth of Truth takes the form of a human face carved into stone, and it has a small hole in which the brave can put their hand, and then make a statement.

Should your words be the truth, you will be able to pull your hand out with no effect. Should you tell a dastardly, wicked lie, the mouth will snap shut and bite your hand off.

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