Italy’s famous ‘love arch’ collapsed overnight on Valentine’s Day as storms continue to rip through the country.

The Torre Sant’Andrea in Puglia was a rock formation in the sea that had become a popular tourist destination, attracting couples seeking eternal love.

According to local legend, pairs who kissed underneath the rock would have a love that lasted forever.

However, the iconic arch collapsed during storms on Saturday night, following days of high winds and heavy rain.

Pictures showed the bridge of rock between connecting the two stacks in the sea had eroded away.

Mayor of Melendugno, Maurizio Cisternino, said the collapse was a ‘huge blow to the heart’.

‘One of the most famous tourist attractions on our coast and in Italy as a whole is disappearing,’ he told Quotidiano di Puglia.

‘I am deeply sorry for what happened, this is an unwanted Valentine’s Day gift. The lovers’ arch no longer exists.’

‘An icon of our territory is shattered and lost at sea, and the sadness affects me as mayor and the entire community that loves our towns.’

The Torre Sant’Andrea in Puglia, also known as the ‘love arch’ was a popular tourist destination for couples seeking eternal love

The arch collapsed during storms on Saturday night following days of high winds and heavy rain. 

Walkers first noticed that the famous structure had disappeared on Sunday morning. 

Italy has been hit with extreme weather in recent weeks and months, including flooding in southern regions. 

A yellow weather warning had been issued for the Puglia region on Saturday following weeks of storms.

Firefighters have been called out to more than 2,000 emergencies in Calabria, Sardinia and Sicily in the past three days. 

Last month Storm Harry brought nine-metre waves and winds of 74 miles per hour, submerging roads and pavements.

Authorities issued red alerts across Sicily, Sardinia and Calabria as the storm unleashed gale-force winds, heavy rain and vicious storm surges.