A famous natural landmark on the Italian coast that was affectionately known as the “arco degli innamorati,” or “lovers’ arch,” collapsed into the sea on Valentine’s Day. The Torre Sant’Andrea stone arch formation in Meledugno served as a frequent backdrop for postcards and wedding proposals alike, and was one of the most recognizable symbols of Salento, a popular tourist destination in the southern region of Puglia. “It is a devastating blow to the heart,” Meledugno’s mayor told the news site Corriere Salentino. Weeks of strong winds, rough seas, and intense rainfall weakened the rock structure until it finally came crashing down on Saturday. The area had recently been hit by Mediterranean cyclones, known as medicanes, that have also devastated ports, torn up coastal roads, and ravaged seaside buildings. The arch’s collapse is the most significant damage to date inflicted by coastal erosion on the Salento landscape.
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