The natural arch, located at Sant’Andrea in Melendugno, Puglia, was a popular landmark on the Adriatic coast and a favored spot for wedding proposals.

“This is an unwanted Valentine’s Day gift,” Melendugno Mayor Maurizio Cisternino told local media, calling the loss “a very hard blow” for the region and its tourism.

“Nature as it created the bow, has taken it back,” he added.

Passers-by first noticed the arch’s absence on Sunday morning. Officials said that severe weather from Storm Oriana, which has battered southern Italy in recent days, likely accelerated erosion and caused the collapse.

Puglia’s regional president, Antonio Decaro described the formation as “one of our region’s defining characteristics, a symbolic asset,” and noted that natural processes are often accelerated by meteorological events such as the storm.

He added that authorities now need to focus on slowing coastal erosion and preserving the coastline.

The Salento region, where the arch was located, is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations.