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Padlocks Of Love Removed From Bridge In Rome
Officials in Rome have removed the so-called "padlocks of love" from the famous Ponte Milvio, the BBC reports. This is the latest phase of an ongoing struggle between the city and romantic couples that we've been reporting on since 2007.It all started when Italian novelist Frederico Moccia wrote "I Want You," in which a couple put a bicycle lock around the bridge's lamppost and tossed the key into the Tiber as a symbol of their undying love. It soon became a fad and the locks became so heavy they actually broke the lamppost. After that people started putting locks all over the bridge.
The bridge was built over the Tiber River in 115 B.C. and was the site of the famous Battle of Milvian Bridge, in which the Emperor Constantine defeated his rival Maxentius to take over Rome, a move that was the beginning of the end of paganism.
Officials say rust from the locks is damaging the historic bridge. Putting a lock on the bridge carries a 50 euro ($51) fine. This is the second time the city has removed the locks. It probably won't be the last.
Putting locks on landmarks has become a trend in other spots as well. Near where I live in Santander, northern Spain, couples do this on a railing by a cliff overlooking the sea. Is there a similar custom in your local area? Tell us in the comments section!
[Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons]
Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Europe, Italy, Books
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
LoveLocks Sep 12th 2012 7:50PM
We loved the ancient custom of "locking your love" so much that we started a business called LoveLocks, Inc. here in the USA. We knew there could be the possibility of cities or other enties wanting to removed the love padlocks, so our mision was to design and install "Lovescapes" (safe and legal) places for couples, famlies and friends to affix their LoveLocks. LoveLocks, Inc. have installed many "Lovescapes" accross the nation and into the UK. For more information on on "Lovescape" locations around the world visit www.lovelocksonline.com
Fred Waltman Sep 13th 2012 4:25AM
I've seen them on the Hohenzollern Bridge over the Rhine in Cologne, and on the Ketternbrücke over the Regnitz in Bamberg, Germany.
Since I've only seen them in Germany, I thought it was a German thing.
Jessica Sep 15th 2012 10:40AM
Lovelocks is retarted, I hope your business fails misserably and you end up bankrupt:) I mean bike locks on a bridge is just dumb
Amber Sep 15th 2012 11:01AM
Aren't you just a pleasant person.
kittylit Sep 15th 2012 1:03PM
Nasty comment Jessica, and using the "R" word? You're just a bundle of love aren't you?
dana Sep 15th 2012 4:35PM
When you learn how to spell maybe someone MIGHT listen to you. I doubt even then because you sound a little off yourself
Susan Sep 16th 2012 1:07AM
Awwww, poor Jessica....nobody loves you???? Or did someone piss in your cornflakes this morning???
Curt Sep 15th 2012 10:40AM
There are thousands of padlocks on the railings at Mt. Hua (Huashan) near Xi'an in China.
Garvey Sep 15th 2012 12:54PM
Also done all over the Ukraine as well.
rip Feb 10th 2013 4:37PM
THERE IS NO SUCH PLACE AS "THE UKRAINE". IT IS UKRAINE. NOT THE FRANCE , THE ENGLAND, NOR THE GERMANY-----UKRAINE.
Kfy Sep 15th 2012 4:34PM
Have seen them on bridges in Paris, Florence, Venice...
Marco Jan 17th 2013 9:58AM
Locking your love is not an "ancient" tradition AT ALL. It started in 1992 after the publication of Federico Moccia's novel "Tre metri sopra il cielo"...