All you need is love…and San Valentino!

Every year on 14 February, hearts, flowers and romantic messages fill our lives no matter where in the world we find ourselves.

But do you know that San Valentino (Saint Valentine) has deep Italian roots?

The story of Valentine’s Day begins in Italy, in the town of Terni (in the beautiful and green central region called Umbria), where San Valentino lived in the 3rd century AD.

According to tradition, Valentine was a bishop who believed strongly in love and marriage at a time when the Roman emperor Claudius II had forbidden young soldiers from marrying.

Valentino secretly celebrated weddings for young couples in love. When the emperor discovered this, Valentine was arrested and later executed on 14 February 273 AD. Over time, he became the patron saint of lovers, celebrated for his courage, compassion and belief in love.

Another legend tells that while in prison, Valentino befriended the jailer’s blind daughter and restored her sight. Before his execution, he is said to have left her a note signed “dal tuo Valentino” – from your Valentine. A phrase that still echoes in Valentine’s Day messages today.

In Italy, San Valentino is not only about romance, but also about friendship, kindness and affection. In Terni, his hometown, celebrations still take place every year, reminding us that love has cultural, historical and human depth.

At the Italian Language Centre in Brisbane, we believe that learning Italian means discovering the stories, traditions and values behind the language. San Valentino is a perfect example of how language and culture are inseparable – and how a centuries-old Italian story became a global celebration of love.

Buon San Valentino! Whether you’re learning Italian for travel, culture or passion, love is always a great place to start.