In a way, Italy can be called the cradle of Valentine’s Day. It was in Rome, on 14th February 269 A.D. that a devout priest was executed for daring to challenge the Emperor. However, little did the Emperor know that he had inadvertently created a legend that would far outlive him …

Since that day, lovers decided to keep alive the memory of this ill-fated but brave priest who had secretly married several couples despite the stringent royal ban.

During earlier times, Valentine’s Day was celebrated as a Spring Festival and used to be held in the open air. Cupid-struck couples would shyly gather in cool, leafy glades or ornamental gardens, where they spent time listening to music and hearing poetry recitations. With the mood set for love, they would wander off with their valentine together into the gardens.

This charming, slow-paced romantic custom has long ceased and has not been celebrated for centuries. Modern love tokens and a more boisterous celebration have taken its place.

The Italian city of Turin saw many couples getting engaged on Valentine’s Day as it was customary to do so on this day.