The True Story of Valentine’s Day
In the 3rd century, a man lost his life for defending love. Today, his legacy lives on in a way he could never have imagined. 🌹
All over the world, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with red roses, sweet words, and romantic gestures. But if we look beyond the chocolates and candlelit dinners, we uncover a very different story.
A Ban on Love
In the 3rd century, the ambitious Roman Emperor Claudius believed that young men would make better soldiers if they weren’t distracted by love and marriage. To ensure their full devotion to war, he outlawed marriage across the empire.
One man refused to accept this.
A Roman priest named Valentine believed the emperor’s decree was unjust and warned that it would lead to misery. In secret, he continued to perform marriage ceremonies for young couples, defying the emperor’s orders.
It wasn’t long before Valentine was caught and thrown into prison. On February 14th, he was executed for his defiance. Over time, his name became synonymous with love, and the day of his death evolved into what we now celebrate as Valentine’s Day. His story is a reminder that love isn’t just about words and gifts—it takes courage and action.
Not Just One Day, But Every Day
Valentine’s Day is a beautiful tradition, but like many special occasions, it has become commercialized—defined by gifts, discounts, and promotions. There’s nothing wrong with giving or receiving presents, but true love is found in shared moments: getting lost in an unfamiliar street together, looking in the same direction, and building a life side by side. And not just for one day, but every day.
So, if you’re looking for a meaningful way to spend this weekend with your partner, why not discover a new city together? We’ve selected three of the most romantic audio walking tours on “Piri Guide” app for you:
🌍 Rome
The final resting place of Saint Valentine’s skull is in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, a unique stop for history lovers.
🌍 Paris
Take a stroll through Montmartre’s cobbled streets, where artists once painted their muses, and love stories unfolded beneath the city lights.
🌍 London
Visit the romantic “Whispering Gallery” inside St. Paul’s Cathedral, where even the softest words travel like secrets between lovers.
Plug in your earphones, press play, hold their hand, and let love lead the way! ❤️
One More Thing…
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Have a great weekend, everyone! See you next week!👋🏼