After a good friend came back from traveling Europe and told me about this, I decided it was definitely a breakfast-worthy conversation. I've heard of wishing wells, love letters, anonymous flowers, and even graffiti as creative outlets for professing love, but padlocks affixed to public bridges? Classier than vandalism, more personal than a coin, bolder than a note—and BAM! You have a solid equation for love... or superstition. At this point, all that really matters is- what a cool destination spot!
Paris’s Pont de l'Archevêché: A Famous Love Bridge
Unbeknownst to me, this concept isn't new or unique to Europe. There are plenty of other notable places around the world with love-lock sites as well. Prague (Czech Rep.), Vrnjačka Banja (Serbia), Rome (Italy), Seoul (South Korea), Taichung (Taiwan), all have impressive public padlock structures. Even a few spots in the U.S. are catching on to this artsy PDA trend- Cabrillo Bridge in San Diego, and the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. Couples around the globe show up to these particular sites to secure a little lasting luck in their relationships.
With all this bountiful romantic faith, what’s not to love?
Apparently, there actually lies some controversy around these seemingly innocent lock displays:
Apparently, there actually lies some controversy around these seemingly innocent lock displays:
- Structural safety concerns over the metal locks blocking views and adding weight
- Degradation of public property
- Being an aesthetic eyesore in the face of nature
Oh right, the vicious dark side to padlocks. How could I forget? Despite the controversy however, I am a fan of these eccentric little PDA creations.
Keep going strong love bridges of the world!
