Love locks are a modern romantic tradition where couples attach padlocks to public structures—such as bridges or railings—and throw away the key, symbolizing eternal love. This global phenomenon began in the early 20th century in Serbia and gained widespread popularity after the 2006 Italian novel “Ho voglia di te”. Today, love locks can be found in cities like Paris, Cologne, Seoul, and Montevideo.
Despite their charm, love locks have sparked controversy due to structural damage to historical sites, environmental pollution from discarded keys, and concerns over visual clutter. While some cities embrace the practice with designated areas, others have banned it to protect public infrastructure.
Love locks reflect both personal sentiment and cultural expression, but their preservation depends on striking a balance between romance and respect for shared urban space.
To be continued in the upcoming issue of Santorini Life Magazine…
