Why is Rome the most romantic city in the world?

It is said that one of the most romantic cities in the world is the city of Rome; not only because of its beautiful places to share with your partner, but also because of that very curious grammatical detail about the word Rome, which, if you read it backwards, says “Love”.

This Italian capital has many places of great significance, both historical and architectural. In addition to the unforgettable moments of romance in the corners of the city. Likewise, lovers enjoy its gastronomy in a dinner with panoramic views.

Many consider it the Eternal City, thanks to its own merits; among them we have one of the most beautiful fountains, such as the Trevi Fountain. Famous for its legend of making a wish while throwing a coin; very visited by the newlyweds.

Also the Plaza de España, an attractive place not only for its fountain but also for the steps, where couples sit to watch the scenery and share some time with their loved one. 

And what can we say about the most romantic day of the year, February 14, which is associated with love thanks to the story of the priest Saint Valentine, who is considered the patron saint of lovers. 

Likewise, we have the Milvio Bridge, where couples have placed a padlock to seal and symbolize their eternal love; although that action brought a lot of controversy. Also the walks through the Trastevere neighborhood and the beautiful sunsets of the city have been part of that romanticism.

Why is Saint Valentine considered the patron saint of lovers?

In the 3rd century, Rome was ruled by the famous emperor Claudius II, the Gothic. He enacted a law preventing young men from marrying; in this way they could enlist in the armed forces without having pending family burdens. 

Valentinus was a young local doctor and priest who disagreed with this law, and officiated marriages in secret. This came to the attention of the emperor and he was imprisoned; subsequently he was beheaded by order of Claudius II on February 14, 269 AD.

Two centuries later, in 498, Pope Gelasius decided that this date should commemorate this martyrdom, and made him a saint, thus remembering the gesture that St. Valentine had with couples in love. There is another legend that says that this date also coincides with the beginning of the mating of birds.

So, on the Sunday before every February 14, many couples from all over the country visit the holy relics in the city of Umbria, to make the exchange of promises about their eternal love.

The beautiful love rituals at the Trevi Fountain

One of the emblematic monuments of the city of Rome is the Trevi Fountain, 26 meters high; it dates back to the 18th century and its designers were Giuseppe Pannini and Nicola Salvi. It is known not only for its colossal construction, but also for its rituals for couples. Among them:

• The legend of throwing 3 coins back to the fountain with the right hand and that they pass over the left shoulder. Where the 1st is to be able to return to this beautiful city, the 2nd to find the love of an Italian and fall in love, and the 3rd to marry that love found. This rite has made it so famous that many tourists go to ask their partners to marry in this place.
• There is another legend that has to do with romance and love, because towards the right side of the Trevi Fountain there is another very small one, from which 2 jets of water come out and cross each other on their way; and that lovers must drink at the same time to ensure their eternal love.

One way to corroborate their eternal love is at the Mouth of Truth.

In the Eternal City we can also test the fidelity of our great love in the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Here there is a sculpture dedicated to the God of the Sea, 1.75 m in circumference and located on the outside of the enclosure, called “The Mouth of Truth”. 

This consists of placing the hand inside the mouth of the face-shaped sculpture; a disk made of marble. It is said that if the person is not telling the truth, he/she will not be able to come out unscathed. That is why it is very important to be cautious, since it can also be a double-edged sword; because if the person lies it can lead to the rupture of the relationship. 

Of course, the idea is that you can prove that your feelings are real. There is also a legend that the one who lies will have his hand bitten off. It is recommended to go with a lot of patience, because the line to have your picture taken with your hand inside the sculpture is a bit long. 

Meeting point for lovers in the Plaza de España

This square is one of the most popular both for the Romans themselves and for the meeting of couples. In the eighteenth century the 135 steps were built, with the idea of communicating this square with the Church of Trinità dei Monti. 

In the spring season these steps are decorated with beautiful pink azaleas, giving it a very romantic and charming atmosphere; besides, there are always vendors offering the beautiful roses to the lovers.

Couples tend to sit on the steps, either to contemplate the view, eat an ice cream or just to chat. This area of the square is also known for the Donne Sotto le Stelle fashion shows. 

An ideal place for a romantic stroll in Trastevere

Rome also has quieter and more traditional places, and this can be seen in the Trastevere district, with its charming cobblestone pedestrian streets and restaurants for a romantic dinner.

This area is located on the other bank of the Tiber River, and is said to be a lively, bohemian neighborhood with good taverns where you can spend a pleasant time and eat an aperitif or perhaps have a glass of wine.

They also mention that the life of this neighborhood is concentrated in the Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere; where you can also visit and know the ancient medieval Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, if you like the architecture of this style.

The most famous bridge for lovers: the Milvio Bridge

Thanks to the stories of Italian literature in two romantic novels by the writer Federico Moccia, the Milvio Bridge began to play an important role among young people. For the protagonists seal their love and relationship by means of a closed padlock that they place on some area of the bridge or on the lampposts and then throw the key into the river.

So, from that moment on, the bridge has been frequented by many couples, with the idea of emulating the same act performed by the lovers and also to seal their love with padlocks. In the beginning this ritual had no problem, but eventually so many padlocks were left that lampposts were knocked down and others bent under the weight.

Because of this, the city council decided to prohibit this custom in 2012 and removed the tons of padlocks from the couples. But today they have been placed again on the bridge and there are even vendors who offer this merchandise, in case a couple did not bring the padlock to perform the ritual.