Calabrisella Mia

Belvedere Marittimo is one of those places that captured my heart instantly. From its breathtaking seaside views to its charming medieval hamlet perched in the mountains, it was, without a doubt, love at first sight.

And maybe Saint Valentine has something to do with. I can already hear you asking, “but what does Saint Valentine have to do with a Calabrian seaside town?”

Well, on my very first visit to Belvedere Marittimo, I discovered that it has ties to the famous and well-known patron saint of lovers.

As I wandered through the tight alleyways and passages that weave throughout the old town with my good friend, we came to a lookout point. It looked over the sea, valley, and mountains in the distance.

Perched on a hill, not too far off from where we were, was a single building. I was curious to know more. The Convento di San Daniele dei Padri Cappuccini dates to 1595.  And it is there that you will find relics of St. Valentine modestly displayed inside an altar within the chapel.

I have to admit, I didn’t believe it at first. I mean, how did relics of St. Valentine find their home in a small seaside town in Calabria?

The Story Goes…

Apparently, the relics, which consist of bone fragments and an ampoule with blood, were a gift. A Cardinal received them in 1700 by the will of the Pope. They eventually ended up in the convent by donation in 1710.

At some point in time, the relics were either lost or misplaced. They were found again in 1969 during the removal of paintings of San Francesco and San Daniele located in the central altar.

Today, the relics are safely preserved within the convent. Traditionally, on Valentine’s Day, couples celebrating a Silver, Gold, or Diamond wedding anniversary can renew their wedding vows over the remains of the saint.

And there you have it, the connection Saint Valentine has to Calabria.

Sending everyone lots of love on this Valentine’s Day…Buon San Valentine!

If you want to find out what I’m up to, you can keep up with my daily life and musings over on the Calabrisella Mia Facebook Page and Instagram!