One of the great English Romantic poets, Percy Shelley was never appreciated in his own time. It wasn’t until his death in 1822 that he started to receive any sort of recognition. Although born in England, Shelley spent a lot of time on the continent. He lived in various cities in Italy for the last 4 years of his life. With this in mind, we’ve put together a collection of some of the most romantic locations where he lived. This should provide some romantic inspiration for those of you planning to visit Italy this Valentine’s Day. If you’d rather skip it, check out our guide to places to avoid Valentine’s Day.
Rome
Perhaps the most famous connection between Shelley and Rome is the Keats-Shelley Memorial House at the foot of the Spanish Steps. This shrine to English Romanticism is home to one of the most extensive collections of Keats and Shelley memorabilia in the world. It contains letters, manuscripts, and paintings. There is also memorabilia relating to Byron, Wordsworth, and Oscar Wilde amongst others.
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Shelley’s grave can be found in the Protestant Cemetery. If you fancy a literary pilgrimage, you’ll also find the graves of John Keats, R. M. Ballantyne, John Addington Symonds, Gregory Corso, and Constance Fenimore Woolson.
If you’d rather something a little more romantic, why not head down to the Tiber by Piazza Pia. Enjoy the views of St Peter’s Basilica and the Castel Sant’Angelo as the sun goes down. From here it’s just a short stroll to the romantic Ristorante Mirabelle (make a reservation early!) on Via di Porta Pinciana.
Venice
OK, the Shelleys only came to Venice to see Byron where upon their daughter promptly died. Therefore we’re going to focus on the more romantic aspects of Venice and leave Shelley behind for a minute.
Valentine’s Day in Venice means crowds. If you’ve been here before skip the main sights and head somewhere less well known. Why not visit the church of San Francesco della Vigna or the Osteria Al Bacco restaurant if you’re peckish.
If you’re a first timer, start at St Mark’s Square (and Basilica) to feel like you’ve really arrived. From here, amble along the waterfront and take a look at the Bridge of Sighs. Alternatively visit Doges Palace and walk across the bridge. Duck away from the crowds and spend some time aimlessly wandering around the narrow streets. If the romance is all getting too much for you, why not book a Venice Ghost Tour and explore the cities quieter and darker streets at night?
Fancy a Gondola ride for Valentine’s Day?
Photo by: tolgaildun/Fotolia
If you fancy a gondola ride, pick one up in a small street and ask to be taken around a combination of the side canals and larger waterways. The Grand Canal, whilst impressive with sights such as the Rialto Bridge, can feel rather busy & stressful. Remember, a gondola ride will be expensive, €80 during the day and €100 at night for 30 minutes (which in Venetian time is about 20 minutes!) Agree the duration, what you want to see and the cost before heading off to ensure that you get what you paid for! If you would like to be serenaded during your gondola ride, this will significantly bump up the cost.
Pisa
The Shelleys lived in and around Pisa for 2 years before Percy drowned in the Gulf of Spezia. They rented apartments in Tre Palazzi di Chiesa which overlooks the Ponte della Fortezza on Lungarno Galileo Galilei. They also arranged for Lord Byron to stay at the Palazzo Lanfranchi at Lungarno Mediceo 17.
Whilst the Leaning Tower is the most famous building here, it is perhaps the Baptistery which is the most impressive structure. Found in the gorgeous Piazza dei Miracoli and next to the medieval cathedral, the Baptistry dates from 1152 and is the largest in Italy. The pulpit took 5 years to sculpt and is a masterpiece in its own right.
As the sun falls, head down to the Arno Promenade for a gorgeous, sweeping view of the river and ancient buildings before heading in search of an apéritif.
Florence
During their time in Florence, the Shelleys lived in the Palazzo Marini at Via Valfonda 4395. Once home to a beautiful 16th century garden, the area was destroyed in the Second World War by Allied bombing. If you want to visit the site, it’s next to the Santa Maria Novella railway station.
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You can’t come to Florence without visiting the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (or Il Duomo di Firenze). Florence Cathedral is spectacular and dates from around 1295 with a heavily Gothic focus. Work finished in 1436 with the dome still the largest brick structure ever constructed.
Close by lies the Basilica di Santa Croce which is the largest Franciscan church in the world. It’s also the burial place of some of Italy’s most famous citizens such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Gentile, and Rossini.
You’d be forgiven for thinking these are Florence’s main attractions but you’ve forgotten the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, home of Michelangelo’s David. As you’d expect, this draws the crowds so plan your visit carefully and book your tickets in advance in order to beat the queues. In the evening, head down to the Vasari Corridor for views of the medieval Ponte Vecchio.
La Spezia
In the last few months of his life, Percy and Mary rented a house near La Spezia in San Terenzo. Often overlooked in favour of the stunning Cinque Terre, it’s home to an attractive old town and Italy’s largest naval base. The Museo Tecnico Navale highlights La Spezia’s role in Italy’s naval history and is well worth a visit.
Also be sure to visit the Castle of San Giorgio. Dating from 1262 and consisting of reinforced walls and towering battlements, the castle is said to have originated from a watch tower. Built by Cardinal Niccolo Fieschi, it was destroyed by the Genoese in 1273 before being replaced years later.
In the evening , head to La Cambusa down by the port on Viale San Bartolomeo 250 for simple food and great wine at sensible prices.
Valentine’s Day Alternatives
Why not head to Rome for the RBS 6 Nations? Italy are hosting England at the Stadio Olimpico on Valentine’s Day itself so there’s just enough time for the rugby before heading home!
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