May you be happy forever！Seeking the legendary sacred sites of eternal love magic

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported | Source / Monocle Editorial Department

When Cupid’s arrow is shot, its magic tightly binds couples together, creating a bond that is profound and unforgettable. With the marriage boom in Taiwan during its centennial year, countless couples tied the knot. Have you thought about where to go for your honeymoon with your loved one to make this magic last “forever”? We’ve searched the world for beautiful legends that carry on this enchantment. Why not take advantage of the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday to visit these romantic paradises celebrated for their love stories, and make your love eternal? Even singles might just encounter the magic of love abroad.

Legends of Eternal Love:

1. Italy, Venice — Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri)

Connecting the Doge’s Palace to the nearby prison is the famous Bridge of Sighs. Legend has it that if lovers kiss under the bridge, they will be together forever. This bridge was also the filming location for the movie *A Little Romance*.

In reality, when prisoners were judged in the Doge’s Palace, those sentenced to severe punishment were taken to the prison, possibly never to return to the outside world. As they passed through this enclosed bridge, they couldn’t help but sigh.

The bridge was built in 1600 and is one of Venice’s must-visit attractions. The prison can be visited through the Doge’s Palace. The square is most lively during the annual Venice Carnival, when costumed figures bring the scene back to the 17th century — the decadent luxury of the end of an era still holds a fatally attractive charm today.

2. Italy, Verona — Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta)

Influenced by Shakespeare’s *Romeo and Juliet*, the balcony of this simple residential house has become a sacred site for love worshippers. The statue of the female protagonist in the courtyard has also become an essential backdrop for visitors’ photos. As a result, couples from all over the world leave “sweet nothings” on the walls of Juliet’s House, hoping their love will last. Visitors here should also touch the bronze statue of Juliet — it’s said to bring good luck.

In fact, the story of Romeo and Juliet was written as a tragedy in the 16th century by Luigi da Porto from Vicenza, inspiring many later writers, including Shakespeare. However, research shows that the Capulet and Montague families did exist, but the story’s protagonists were entirely fictional. The house itself was built in the 14th century.

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