Valentine’s Day in Italy is quite different from how it is celebrated in the United States. The traditions surrounding this day have deep historical roots that predate the influence of modern commercialism. Valentine’s Day has its origins in the Roman Empire. Celebrated on February 14, this day honors Juno, the Queen of the Roman gods and goddesses, and the Goddess of Women and Marriage. In Italy, Valentine’s Day is known as La Festa Degli Innamorati. Historically, Valentine’s Day in Italy was celebrated as a Spring Festival, marking the arrival of spring. Couples would enjoy spending time outdoors, taking leisurely strolls in parks, sitting under trees, or relaxing in beautiful gardens while listening to music or engaging in conversation. In contemporary Italy, couples often exchange small gifts, such as chocolate-covered hazelnut candies from Perugina that have a sweet cherry liquid center. The wrappers of these Baci candies feature romantic poetry. Another popular tradition among Italian couples is to padlock their love to a bridge or railing and then throw away the key, symbolizing their enduring commitment. We also highlight two travel destinations named San Valentino to showcase a different side of Italy. Namely, San Valentino - Baldo in Trentino - perfect for your ski holiday or San Valentino in the Abruzzo Region.
San Valentino - Baldo - Trentino
The Brentonico Plateau and its surrounding forests and meadows range from 600 to 2,000 meters above sea level on Monte Baldo, the first mountain encountered when hiking in Trentino. Known as the "Garden of Italy" since the 1500s, this mountain is celebrated for its rich biodiversity of rare plants and flowers. At the beginning of the 21st century, it was designated as the “Monte Baldo Natural Park.” San Valentino, located in the garden of Baldo, is an excellent starting point for walks dedicated to discovering and observing nature. Its diverse array of plants and flowers attracts both researchers and casual admirers, symbolizing the beauty and prestige of this stunning area.
The ski area offers a good carousel of slopes connecting with those of Polsa. They are wide, fun, equally suitable for the safe and quick learning of basic skiing techniques, for the honing of already acquired skills or for athlete training. Accommodation is offered by a varied range of hotels, apartment houses or private homes. Hotel San Giacomo is harmoniously inserted in the luxuriant green of the meadows of Monte Altissimo, in winter the whiteness of the snow. Elegant and welcoming furnishings. The hotel also has a renowned restaurant with romantic rooms reported by the best guides. Ideal starting point for naturalistic excursions on Monte Baldo, it is 1 km from the San ski lifts. During your stay in San Valentino - Vallagarina, find time for a flavor itinerary: visit a winery, stop for dinner in a restaurant, have lunch in a refuge or in an Alpine hut, take some typical Trento products home as souvenirs. Here you’ll find still wines, sparkling wines and grappa, cheese, craft beers, chestnuts and organic vegetables.
Take time to sip a glass of Marzemino, the red wine that even young Mozart loved. Meet the local winemakers and producers, let them tell you their stories and discover all the characteristics of the native vines and the work in the countryside. After visiting a small village, a castle, a museum, give yourself the joy of a tasty snack or enjoy a typical menu in one of Vallagarina’s restaurants. Located in the historic De Probizer palace in Isera, the “Casa del Vino della Vallagarina” is pleased to welcome you to taste its traditional dishes paired with the wines of the associated producers. At the “Casa del Vino” you can discover the wines of Vallagarina and savor the tasty dishes of the local tradition.
Here you will find quality and research of raw materials to be enjoyed in the intimate elegance of the internal rooms or on the large terrace overlooking the Adige Valley. Every week events dedicated to Trentino wines are organised together with delicious afternoon breaks, to taste the typical products of the valley.
San Valentino in Abruzzo Citeriore (Abruzzo)
From the North of Italy further south, we come to the region of Abruzzo. San Valentino in Abruzzo Citeriore is a charming hilltop town in the province of Pescara, located in the Abruzzo region of central Italy. Nestled in the Apennines, it is less than 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Adriatic coast and lies on the northern edge of the National Park of Majella.
The town’s name is derived from St. Valentine and the former province of Abruzzo Citeriore. Visitors here can enjoy simple and authentic tourism at their own pace. The experience fosters genuine interactions full of culture, thanks to the local artisans and residents. It's important to venture off the beaten path and explore unconventional routes, allowing for a more rewarding experience amidst the region's untouched nature. From a distance, the impressive Duomo, or Cathedral of San Valentino and Damiano, dominates the skyline, marking the historic center of the town. Next to this beloved “mother church,” you can find the ruins of an ancient castle, which served as the original nucleus of the settlement dating back to the 10th century. This castle later transformed into Palazzo Farnese, which still retains pieces of its ancient walls and a flanking tower. As you wander through the oldest part of the village, you will discover a network of narrow streets, known as rue, branching off with numerous steps leading to charming alleys and small open spaces, particularly near religious sites like the churches of San Donato, Sant'Antonio, and the Duomo.
While exploring, you will encounter historic buildings that reflect the legacy of prestigious families, including Palazzo Farnese and Palazzo Bajocco, built in 1897 and notable for its double courtyard. There are also Palazzo Bottari, Palazzo Trojani, and Palazzo Delfina Olivieri de Cambacérès, which now houses the Museum of Fossils and Ambers. On Valentine's Day, if you have a sweet tooth, you will definitely find something to satisfy your cravings. The artisanal ice cream produced here is renowned beyond Abruzzo and is skillfully made with high-quality, seasonal ingredients. This local creation has won accolades in various competitions. For those who prefer baked goods, you can enjoy two traditional desserts: ricotta dandelion and morette. The ricotta dandelion is a cake with a fragrant exterior and a soft, spongy ricotta filling, while the morette are uniquely shaped biscuits made from eggs and flour, with a recipe carefully preserved within the town. If sweets aren’t your preference, you can also savor the region’s excellent Pallotte cace e dove, which can be conveniently packed in thermoses for enjoying during picnics in nature, along with quality local oil or a glass of Montepulciano wine.
If you're looking for a symbol of Abruzzo's cuisine, try Pallotte Cacio e Ove, or cheese and egg meatballs. This humble dish originated from the need to use leftovers and is often enjoyed on Valentine's Day. The combination of cheese and eggs is common in many local recipes and is even seen as a precursor to carbonara, which has roots in the Abruzzo Apennines after World War II. Pallotte Cacio e Ove is particularly popular in the Pescara area. It stems from an ancient shepherd tradition of combining leftover cheese and dry bread into irregular meatballs, which served as a snack during transhumance. Over time, housewives added sauces to enhance the flavor, establishing it as a traditional Abruzzo dish. This simple recipe delights with its basic ingredients. Cow and sheep cheeses, eggs, and stale bread are mixed, fried in olive oil, and then simmered in tomato sauce over low heat for at least thirty minutes. The true difference lies in the skill of local chefs, who bring their unique touch to each dish.
If you're looking for a place to stay in San Valentino di Abruzzo, your options are somewhat limited. However, just a few kilometers away is the Regis Resort Hotel. This magnificent 19th-century estate is situated along the historic Via Tiburtina Valeria and is surrounded by a large park in the beautiful Abruzzo countryside. The Regis Resort offers a spacious 1,600 m² two-story spa and an on-site restaurant for guests to enjoy.
Write a comment