Origins and meaning of an Italian festival. Who was Valentino?
Valentino was a Roman bishop, born in Interamma Nahars in 176 AD and died in Rome on February 14, 273. He decided to safeguard and protect the Christian community of Terni, an Italian city where persecutions against Christians raged. It was consecrated bishop of the city in 197 by Pope San Feliciano.
Valentino: patron saint of lovers
Even today Valentino is considered the patron of lovers as a legend tells that he was the first religious who celebrated the union between a pagan legionary and a young Christian.
The tradition of the Feast of St. Valentine was established around the fourteenth century, in the England of the courts and knights. Later it also arrived in Italy and coincided with the attempt by the Catholic Church to "Christianize" the pagan rite for fertility. The month of February in fact for the Romans was the period of rebirth. Around the 15th of the month the Lupercalia were celebrated, a festivity in honor of the God Faun, protector protector of sheep and goats from the attack of wolves.
The people who practiced these celebrations put their names in an urn. A child extracted the names of some couples who would have lived in intimacy for a month, so that the fertility rite was concluded.
The priests and bishops decided to put an end to these celebrations. They tried to find a saint of lovers who would replace the immoral Lupercus rite. In fact, Pope Gelasius decided to cancel this pagan festival by replacing it with the Lovers' Day brought forward to February 14, the day dedicated to Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day: two hearts and a holiday
Tenderness in the green. Sienese aphrodisiac cooking class, wine bath, candlelit dinner ...
What more could you want for a weekend of passion? Among expanses of olive groves and vineyards, the Fattoria del Colle di Trequanda (SI). Small sixteenth-century village invites to the "Cuddles of S.Valentino".
http://www.cinellicolombini.it
Beauty pampering. “Love Therapy” on the hills of Modenese, at the Terme di Salvarola (MO), where the wellness treatments, in the Private Suite, are inspired by chocolate. Thermal waters, Spa wellness, fitness, entertainment.
Caresses in the city. There is no doubt. Florence is ideal for a romantic itinerary. Starting from Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers not only a privileged view of the Arno but of the entire city center. A visit to the Uffizi Museum allows you to savor the magic of Botticelli's Venus linked to a love story. It is said that the face of the goddess was inspired by that of Simonetta Vespucci. The commissioner of the work, Giuliano di Piero de Medici, was in love with.
Peaks of love. Snow, ski slopes, nature. Enjoy the tranquility and peace in the VIP cabin of the Falzeben cable car, above Merano (BZ), where champagne, fresh fruit and a breathtaking view await you.
http://www-merano-suedtirol.it
Maritime emotions. The sea in winter has its own charm and is undoubtedly romantic. And if you taste it in Viareggio (LU), the pearl of Versilia, with the Apuan Alps behind it, you can't go wrong. The Hotel Plaza e de Russie with its panoramic terrace is located on the seafront.
http://www.condenastjohansens.com/russie
