Valentine’s Day in Italy is a tradition deeply rooted in history, art, and the cultural heritage of a country that has always been able to tell love stories through poetry. The origins of the celebration date back to the 3rd century AD, when Valentine, the bishop of Terni, was executed for secretly officiating weddings between young Christian couples. In 496 AD, the Church officially declared February 14th as the feast of the saint, permanently marking the end of the pagan fertility rites.
Since then, the cult of Saint Valentine has spread throughout Italy, leaving traces in many cities. In Terni, the basilica bearing his name welcomes couples each year who come to pay homage to him. In Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, hundreds of love letters are left at Juliet’s house, while the Verona in Love festival transforms the city into a place devoted to romance. But this is not the only example. In Florence, couples traditionally exchange love promises on Ponte Vecchio, while in Naples, romantic serenades are still performed in the narrow alleys or under balconies.
Valentine’s Day traditions in Italy have evolved over the centuries, intertwining with art and culture. During the Middle Ages, people believed that February 14th was the day birds chose their mates, which helped establish the association with love and romance. During the Renaissance, lovers wrote letters on decorated parchment, foreshadowing the modern Valentine’s Day cards. In Sicily, until the 19th century, lovers exchanged marzipan hearts as tokens of affection, while in Umbria and Tuscany, young women would interpret natural signs to predict their future husbands.
Italian art has also depicted love in many forms. Petrarch’s letters to Laura remain a timeless testament to the power of words. Canova’s Cupid and Psyche, now housed in the Louvre, captures the delicacy of an eternal emotion through marble. The Kiss by Hayez, displayed at the Pinacoteca di Brera, is the ultimate symbol of Italian romanticism, immortalizing a moment of passion and mystery.
For those seeking a romantic experience in Italy, there are places that seem tailor-made for celebrating love. Verona, for example, is a symbol of passion and romance, with its corners dedicated to Romeo and Juliet. Pienza offers a journey through alleys with evocative names like Via dell’Amore (Love Street) and Via del Bacio (Kiss Street), with breathtaking views over the Val d’Orcia. The emerald waters of Lake Braies, surrounded by the Dolomites, create one of the most enchanting settings for a romantic escape. No less impressive is Polignano a Mare, where the cliffs overlooking the Adriatic provide unforgettable sunsets. And how could we not mention the island of Procida? With its colorful houses and the slow rhythm of Mediterranean life, it is the perfect retreat for those seeking authenticity. In conclusion, Valentine’s Day in Italy is not just a date on the calendar but a tradition that has endured through the centuries, manifesting itself in places, landscapes, and works of art that continue to tell the story of love.