In Florence, there are many locks on the chain near the end of the walk of Saints UFFIZI... near the Arno..
Does anyone know the significance of these LOCKS on the chains?? I also saw them on various metal posts near the Ponte Vecchio... I am very curious as to what they mean and who is responsible for putting them there.???
I have a photo but don't know how to post on this weird Rick Steve's sight...
Thought I saw something on TV about couples putting locks on fence when getting married and throwing away the key.
They're probably inspired by a recent book by Federico Moccia that was turned into a movie. The English title is "I Want You". In it a young couple pledges their eternal love by chaining a bicycle lock to a bridge in Rome and then throwing the key into the Tiber. Apparently this is now being picked up in other Italian cities.
More here:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/05/africa/rome.php
There's also a song called "Ti scattero' una foto" by the Italian pop singer Tiziano Ferro, made for the movie. In the video for it (see youtube) you can see the locks on the lamppost.
The weight of the bicycle locks kept breaking the lampposts so the Roman authorities started cutting them off and also set up some posts (no wiring) for people to use instead.
In Italy it's called lucchetti d'amore. It's supposed to symbolize your enduring love. See this Wikipedia article about the tradition Here. In Florence, they're trying to ban the practice altogether - see Here
Very cool and Very Romantic!!!!
Thanks for the replies.. keep them coming if anyone does find out EXACTLY what they are... these specific ones in Florence by the Ufizzi..
I love Italy..
Does anyone know any designers that are looking for a designer in ITaly... I am looking for a new gig.. and it has been my lifelong dream to move to Italy to design... Its time in my life to make it a reality!!!!
Explore Everything!!!
g
Greg, I believe there's some information in Rick's Italy book about the Padlocks near the Ponte Vechio. As I recall, the description in the post from CL was spot on.
I also have a photo, but I don't think it's possible to post them here.
Cheers!
I, too, saw these locks and scratched my head for a minute. I got a great picture. Had we known the significance, my wife and I would have added a lock. Very cool!
Here in Rome the locks are on Ponte Milvio... and vendors will sell you a lock (and key) right on the bridge! As posted, it is suggested by movie and song...
Ciao,
Ron
We saw the locks talked about on some show, we could see a combo lock in the mix, somebody must have needed an out!
We saw locks in Verona as well near the Enoteca Oreste at the Posso dell'Amore (Well of Love.)
