The famous ‘Lovers’ Arch’ in Italy, along the coast of Salento, collapsed on the 14th due to heavy storms.

In an interview with CNN, Maurizio Cisternino said “devastating blow to the image of Salento and to tourism […] It’s a blow to the heart” (Nadeau, Feb. 16th).

The arch became a popular spot for couples in the late 18th century, and its popularity had exploded in recent years, with thousands of couples visiting in the past few years alone. It was popular for proposals, first kisses, and anniversaries. A local legend says that a couple who kissed under the arch were destined for eternal love. It was originally a lookout for pirates.

The arch was formed over hundreds of years by intense seas and strong winds, the same elements that caused it’s destruction.

The collapse was likely caused by climate change, leading to the dangerous and intense storms that have been impacting Italy over the past few weeks. The arch had already suffered damage from Cyclone Harry last month. Officials knew the collapse was only a matter of time. In 2024, local authorities applied for a $4.5 million grant to fund a preservation project to combat coastal erosion, but the project failed to get funding. According to CNN, Cisternino said “It’s a tragedy we knew was inevitable, we just didn’t expect it to happen so soon” (Nadeau, Feb. 16th).

Now gone, the remnants of the arch will be left to wash out at sea. “It’s like a funeral,” Puglia tourism councilor Francesco Stella said, according to Newsweek (Dodds, Feb. 17).