Italy is a country where stories of love and romance whisper through every street. You can follow in the footsteps of Romeo and Juliet through its towns, and you might even imagine hearing Romeo reciting his impossible love poems. Italy is also where Valentine’s Day began, with the birth of Saint Valentine in the city of Terni. Modern romantic icons like Sophia Loren and Rudolph Valentino also emerged from Italy. Even Rome, the capital, is steeped in love; if you reverse the letters of "Roma," you get "Amor," which means love. This makes Italy an ideal destination for those seeking romance, whether it's for a memorable honeymoon or a vacation that rekindles the flame of love.
Rome
In Rome, the capital of Italy, Elizabeth Gilbert, the protagonist of the movie "Eat Pray Love" (played by Julia Roberts), began her journey. Rome's streets are like an open-air museum of beauty, filled with stunning architecture and a variety of historical and archaeological sites. If you plan to visit multiple attractions in Rome, it’s recommended to purchase one of the tourist passes, which provide free entry to some landmarks and discounted tickets for many others. Some of the most famous sites include the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Piazza del Campidoglio.
Rome is famous for its iconic, enchanting fountains, perfect for capturing romantic moments. One of the most renowned is the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona, designed by the Italian sculptor Bernini to depict the gods of four great rivers: the Nile in Africa, the Ganges in Asia, the Danube in Europe, and the Rio de la Plata in America. If you wish to return to Rome, you must visit the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi), where tradition says you should turn your back to the fountain and toss a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder into the water.
From the Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna, you can ascend the famous staircase and take photos. The steps lead to the Villa Borghese Gardens, designed in the 17th century, featuring a charming lake and several museums, the most famous being the Galleria Borghese, for which you can book tickets online in advance. Or you can simply spend time in the gardens, where you can watch the sunset over St. Peter's Basilica in a uniquely romantic scene. Rome also boasts several beautiful beaches like Serapo Beach, Passano Beach, and Anzio Lido Beach, where you can spend an unforgettable time together.
Venice
Venice will steal your heart from the moment you arrive. This enchanting city, unlike any other, is located in northern Italy and serves as the capital of the Veneto region and the province of Venice. With an estimated population of 271,000, Venice is made up of two separate parts: the city center, which includes a lagoon of the same name, and Mestre, the mainland area. It ranks second after Rome in terms of tourist influx, and Shakespeare chose it as the setting for his famous play "The Merchant of Venice." The city comprises several islands connected by bridges, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, and is famous for its historic buildings and waterways, crossed by more than 150 canals.
There's nothing more romantic than a gondola ride through Venice's waterways, passing by its historic buildings and grand palaces in a 30 to 40-minute tour around the city. The Grand Canal is one of the main waterways, stretching about 3,800 meters long and varying in width from 30 to 90 meters. You can rent a boat to cruise the canal under the sun, admire Venice's historic buildings, and take photos of unforgettable happy moments.
Don’t forget to visit Venice's famous bridges, including the Rialto Bridge, built between 1588 and 1591. The bridge, with a 24-foot-high arch, was constructed on 12,000 wooden pilings that still support it more than 400 years later. Another must-see is the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri), one of Venice's most famous bridges. Located near Piazza San Marco, it connects the Doge's Palace with a former Inquisition prison. The bridge got its name because prisoners would sigh as they took their last look at the city while being led from the palace to the prison. Despite the sad stories associated with it, walking across the bridge offers a romantic view.
Let's Get Lost Together and Forget the World
The winding streets and pathways in Venice can be a bit confusing for tourists, but it’s a delightful kind of confusion. How wonderful it is to get lost together in the charming streets of Venice and admire its stunning architecture. For a panoramic view of the city and its beautifully decorated red rooftops, nothing beats a visit to St. Mark's Campanile, the bell tower that rises 99 meters above the city. In the evening, head to Piazza San Marco to enjoy its lively atmosphere and have a candlelit dinner at one of the restaurants. This square is the most famous in the city, and you can visit it early in the morning to enjoy the flocks of pigeons that safely gather there. You can also visit the famous St. Mark’s Basilica.
Verona
Verona is situated between Venice and Milan, stretching along the banks of the Adige River. While it might not be as famous as Rome, Venice, or other Italian cities that attract hordes of tourists, Verona is certainly one of the best cities for spending unforgettable romantic moments. Known as the "City of Love," Verona was chosen by Shakespeare as the setting for his most famous play, "Romeo and Juliet." UNESCO has also listed Verona as a World Heritage Site due to its important landmarks, including Juliet's House, a destination for thousands of lovers throughout the year. At this house, you can relive the beautiful story of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." The building dates back to the 13th century, with a bronze statue of Juliet in its courtyard. You can leave a note with your and your lover's names on the walls, believing it will prevent you from ever parting. A balcony, which was not part of the original structure, has been added to mimic the one where Juliet stood to hear Romeo's love poems. You and your partner can reenact the scene of Juliet waiting for Romeo on her balcony.
Juliet's room contains furniture and frescoes from that era, offering visitors a rich experience. Romeo's house is also in Verona, but it is less famous because it is privately owned and not open to the public like Juliet's house. Another notable landmark is the Arena di Verona, a massive amphitheater built by the Romans in the 1st century AD, accommodating around 15,000 spectators. Whether or not you are fans of opera, attending an opera performance together at the Arena di Verona is an unforgettable experience.
