The disappearance of a tourist symbol in Italy: Storms and 15-meter waves have caused the collapse of the Arch of the Lovers.

The Arch of Lovers, an iconic symbol of the Salento region in Puglia, collapsed on February 14, following violent storms and torrential rains that affected southern Italy. The natural monument, used as a backdrop for marriage proposals, was considered a central attraction for local tourism.

Local authorities, including Mayor Maurizio Cisternino, described its disappearance as a devastating loss, highlighting the impact of coastal erosion caused by increasingly frequent and intense storms, known as 'medicanes'. These extreme weather phenomena, fueled by climate change, have led to severe deterioration of the landscape in Salento, with winds exceeding 100 km/h and waves reaching up to 15 meters. Additionally, expert Christian Mulder warned that the Mediterranean is facing one of the hottest years on record, which contributes to the intensification of these extreme events.