Proof of Life, Love and the Law in Venice
Rumor has it that when a couple kisses as they ride in a gondola under the Bridge of Sighs in Venice they will realize everlasting love.
The Bridge of Sighs wasn’t always associated with love.
It connects Doge’s (no, not Elon Musk’s DOGE) Palace and the facilities of Venice’s then-New Prison. In the 1600’s, prisoners were escorted across the bridge toward their executioners. They got a tiny little glimpse of the Grand Canal in their final steps across this 36-foot-long bridge.
Today, Venice officials are hot on the trail of visitors to the city that hang love locks on the Point dell’Accademia and the Rialto Bridges. Love locks are traditional padlocks that couple hang as a token of their love for each other. Inspired by two best-selling Italian novels, “Ho Voglia di Te” (I Want You) and “Tre Metri Sopra il Cielo” (Three Meters Over Heaven) and their silver screen adaptations, the locks multiplied like, well, hearts on Valentine’s Day.
By 2006, the locks were taking a toll on the architectural integrity of the bridge railings and it became illegal to hang a lock. In 2016, violators were charged a $3,344 fine.
Still, love takes all. The fine for hanging a love lock has been reduced to $111 US.
How about saying “I love you” and toasting with a really expensive drink instead?