Terni is the name of the city. And San Valentino – Saint Valentine – is the patron saint of this nice place in Umbria, in the heart of Italy.

This is where the saint of lovers came from.

Valentine was Terni’s first Bishop, who was killed by the Romans in 273 during the persecutions ordered by the emperor Aurelius. In 1644 the citizens of Terni proclaimed him the Patron Saint of the City and patron saint of lovers.

Why the saint of lovers ? Because according to the legend he used to make the present of a flower from his own garden to his young visitors. Two of these young people fell in love. They were so happy together that more and more couples went to Valentine for help. They were so many, that Valentine dedicated one day of the year to a general benediction of the state of matrimony.

Terni still celebrates Valentine`s day as  the “festa degli inammorati” (the festival of lovers) with a love poetry marathon, a concert, cabaret and “Holiday on Ice”.

And you can even get sweaters and T-Shirts of Terni`s Valentino – with phrases about love.

The entire program is here.