On February 14, Valentine's Day, one of Italy's most famous natural symbols of love — the Arch of Lovers in the Faraglione Sant'Andrea area on the Salento coast — collapsed .
The 'Arch of Lovers' in Faraglione Sant'Andrea before and after the incident. Photo: lecce.corriere
The unique stone arch of karstic limestone, which had been formed over many years by the waters of the Adriatic Sea, was a popular tourist attraction. However, due to heavy rains and sea erosion, it could not withstand the elements and symbolically collapsed precisely on the global holiday of all lovers.
For residents and authorities, this came as a real shock. Local mayor Maurizio Cisternino called the arch's fall a painful blow to the entire local community and noted that with it disappeared one of the most recognizable symbols not only of this coast but of all Italy. He emphasized the need for more active measures to preserve the region's natural heritage.
Bad weather also damaged other parts of the coast. In the area of the so-called "natural pools" in Tricase, there was also a danger of collapses. In this regard, authorities banned swimming and fishing in dangerous areas.
The leadership of the Apulia region promised support to local authorities. It was stated that funds already exist to combat erosion and landslides, and additional funding is planned to protect the coast.
Representatives of the regional authority noted that the loss of the arch is not only the disappearance of a natural object but also the loss of part of collective memory. They drew attention to the fact that climate change and increasingly frequent extreme weather phenomena accelerate destructive processes, so constant monitoring and preventive measures are needed.
Geologists also sound the alarm: more than half of the Apulian coast is threatened by erosion, and hundreds of landslides have been recorded in the region, affecting tens of thousands of people. Specialists emphasize the importance of monitoring soil conditions, research, and informing the public for the preservation of nature and the safety of residents.
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