Rock structure which served as backdrop to countless proposals disappears into the Adriatic after storm

The famous arch of the sea stacks at Sant’Andrea in Melendugno, Puglia, Italy, popularly known as Lovers’ Arch, collapsed on Valentine’s Day after strong storm surges and heavy rain swept across southern Italy.

The rocky arch, one of the best-known natural landmarks on the Adriatic coast, got its name as it served as a backdrop for wedding proposals, selfies and postcards, and was one of the most recognisable symbols of the Salento, one of Italy’s most heavily visited tourist areas.

“It is a devastating blow to the heart,” said Melendugno’s mayor, Maurizio Cisternino. “One of the most famous tourist features of our coastline and of the whole of Italy has disappeared.”

    • skisnow@lemmy.ca
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      14 hours ago

      Today (Shrove Tuesday) is Pancake Day in many countries. IHOP in the Philippines closes their branches that day due to it being a holiday there. Their manager is the most incompetent marketer in the world for not even attempting to make Pancake Day a thing in the Philippines.

    • mlg@lemmy.world
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      15 hours ago

      I was going to joke about 313 day, but I think that actually needs sponsors to survive lol

    • FuglyDuck@lemmy.world
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      1 day ago

      True. But there’s a difference.

      While hallmark certainly didn’t create the holiday, a large part of how we celebrate it today was shaped by hallmark and other companies using it to drum up business.