Valentine's Day in Umbria

Ever wondered about the origins of Valentine's Day? Incredibly, the original San Valentino (Saint Valentine) came from Terni in Umbria!Saint Valentine was born in Terni and become the first Bishop of Terni in 197 AC.

Saint Valentine gained the name of Patron Saint of Lovers when he celebrated the wedding between a Roman legionaire, Sabino and a beautiful young Christian girl called Serapia.

Saint Valentine was put to death on the orders of the Roman Prefect, Placido Furio on the 14th February 273 AC during the persecutions ordered by the emperor Aurelius.

But why the roses? A legend grew up from the fact that San Valentino used to make a present of a rose from his own garden to his young visitors. Two of these young people fell in love; and this love risulted in a union so happy that many other couples followed their example, to such a point that the Saint decided to dedicate one day of the year to a general benediction of the state of matrimony!

So what better place to celebrate Valentine's Day than Umbria, the heart of romance!