Saint Valentine: Love, Faith, and Legend

The Story of San Valentino, the Saint of Lovers

Every year on February 14th, the name of San Valentino di Terni is known all over the world as a symbol of love.
But it is in Terni, his hometown and the place where he is buried, that this name has a deeper meaning.

San Valentino was the bishop of Terni, a city that in Roman times was called Interamna. He was a man of faith, very close to people, especially to young people.

San Valentino talked with them, listened to them, and taught them Christianity, encouraging values such as love, respect, and solidarity.
Some people decided to follow him and convert, but this was not accepted by the Roman authorities.

For this reason, San Valentino was arrested and taken to Rome, where he was sentenced to death and killed in secret along the Via Flaminia, one of the most important roads of ancient Rome.

After his death, his body was brought back to Terni and buried outside the city walls.
On that place, the Basilica di San Valentino was built. Today it preserves the relics of the Saint under the main altar.
Here the Festa della Promessa also takes place, when engaged couples and long-married couples renew their promise of love.

The Legends of Love 

San Valentino’s fame as the protector of lovers comes mainly from legends.
The most famous one tells the story of Sabinus, a young pagan soldier, and Serapia, a Christian girl, whose love is opposed.
When Serapia becomes seriously ill, Bishop Valentino listens to Sabinus’s prayer and blesses the two young people. According to tradition, they die together, remaining united forever.

Another legend, spread especially in English-speaking countries, says that Valentino gave flowers to young people.
From one of these meetings, a very happy love story was born, inspiring the blessing of couples and the celebration of February 14th.

Terni, the City of Love

The message of San Valentino — a faithful and courageous love — is universal, but in Terni it has found a special home.
San Valentino has been the patron saint of the city since 1644, and every year around February 14th, Terni celebrates the Manifestazioni Valentiniane, with religious, cultural, and artistic activities that keep his tradition alive.