Severe weather has destroyed one of Salento's most iconic coastlines: the magnificent Sant'Andrea sea stacks in Melendugno, province of Lecce, popularly known as the "arch of love," have totally collapsed into the sea. Storm surges and severe rains in recent days are believed to have contributed to the collapse. "It's a terrible blow to the heart," Mayor Maurizio Cisternino stated. "One of the most famous tourist stretches of our coast and of all Italy disappears". This is the most significant damage caused by coastal erosion to the landscape of Salento.