On the coast of Italy overlooking the Adriatic Sea, specifically in the Puglia region, a famous natural rock formation known as the “Arc of Lovers” collapsed. This collapse, which coincided with Valentine’s Day, was the result of days of bad weather, prompting local officials to issue warnings about the possibility of more fragile parts of the coast collapsing.
This natural arch, located near the town of Melendugno as part of the Sant’Andrea sea rocks, has been a popular destination for lovers who want to propose marriage, and a favorite location for tourists to take souvenirs.
“An unwanted Valentine’s Day gift,” is how the mayor of Melendugno, Maurizio Cesternino, described the incident to a local newspaper. The collapse was considered a “severe blow” to the reputation of the region and its tourism sector. He explained that heavy rains, strong winds and a turbulent sea hit the coast, eventually destroying the arch, commenting: “Nature restored what it had created.”
The authorities issued warnings of the presence of clear cracks in other areas of the rocky coastal strip, warning of the possibility of future collapses, and emphasizing the exacerbation of the risk of coastal erosion due to harsh climate conditions.
The Puglia coast is considered among the most important tourist destinations in southern Italy, and is distinguished by its unique natural rock formations that were formed over thousands of years. However, climate changes, increasing sea storms, and rising rates of erosion are becoming a threat to these monuments, requiring authorities to strengthen monitoring and safety measures to protect both visitors and the natural formations.
