Saint Valentine’s day is coming up and if you happen to be in Italy, you will find yourself flying with romance through the Italian beauties.
Why did we start celebrating Valentine’s Day to begin with? Did you know that the city of Rome plays an important role in the making of the story?
Today, everybody knows that the “day in celebration of love” is mostly for chocolate and flower companies to earn some extra bucks, but obviously the celebration of the Saint named Valentino has nothing to do with either of the two. So, who was he? First of all, there has been more than one person that fits the description of Valentino, but most likely San Valentino was a Roman Priest who decided not to obey the Emperor’s orders. He continued to marry loving couples, in secret, even during wartimes, and this was against the rules. For this reason, he was punished to death on February 14th. In the 5th century, Pope Gelasius established Saint Valentine’s day in honor of this dedication to love…and to this day we still celebrate him!
How to celebrate Valentine’s day in Italy? Or even better, how do Italians celebrate it?
The chocolates Baci Perugina are the classic Valentine gift in Italy. It is a small praline, wrapped in silver paper, filled with nuts and dark chocolate. Each praline holds a little love note (also in English). Baci means “kisses” in Italian, which might be the reason for its popularity. Almost the equivalent of the American Hershey Kisses, but trust me, much better in taste!
Verona, is known to be the city of love! Romeo and Juliet, according to William Shakespeare consumed their romantic short story in this beautiful city. For this reason the city celebrates Saint Valentine for four full days under the name; Verona in Love. Piazza dei Signori, one of the most beautiful squares in Verona is decorated with a huge red heart. Free concerts are offered daily in the whole city and if you want to show and express your love you should visit Juliet’s house and balcony and write a love message on the wall.
Florence also has some pretty romantic love stories to be shared, for one: the intense and possibly a bit weird story between Dante and Beatrice. How to live it up? Walk through the romantic alleyways and warm yourself up with a delicious cup of hot chocolate at café Rivoire, where you also have a perfect view over Piazza delle Signoria and the marvelous statues collected under the Loggia.
Venice is always romantic, however, being so famous for the Carnival season, Valentine’s Day kind of goes underestimated. Nonetheless, snuggle up in a gondola under a nice red blanket and float through the narrow canals with your beloved one.
Rome’s hills are always worth the effort to climb. The view is striking and it is tremendously romantic to be able to see the roman roofs just a few steps away from you. Some of the best viewing points you will find are 1, Pincio, easy to access above Piazza del Popolo. 2, Gianicolo, a good climb up above the area called Trastevere. And last but not least; 3, Giardino degli Aranci/Parco Savelli on the Aventine Hill. If the weather permits, bring a little picnic and enjoy the best view with the best company.
Happy Valentine’s day!