The 12th edition of the Cioccolentino festival takes place in the Umbrian city of Terni, in honour of St Valentine's Day, from 11-15 February.

The event is designed to unite chocolate with eternal love, and there is nothing casual about the choice of location: a third-century bishop from Terni was none other than St Valentine himself.

Under the heading "Valentine's Day...starts here!", the five-day festival's programme of events include lessons in handmade chocolate and tastings as well as a choco show on the streets of the historic centre.

Dozens of food companies from all over Italy will present their produce on stands while some of the region's most skilled pastry chefs and master chocolatiers will reveal the secrets of their trade in a series of demonstrations and workshops.

Visitors to Terni can even pay their respects to St Valentine, whose relics are preserved in the city's basilica under the sign "St Valentine, patron of love".

For full details see website.