So, where are all those special places that touch our gentler souls, soften our hearts, enhance our romantic moments or just make us feel good?

Rethinking Cities Ltd are currently mapping romantic hotspots in cities across Europe, running an on-line Romantic Ribbons competition in which people recommend urban places and let their creative juices flow, by writing a romantic post card.

Sign at the entrance to the Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park, London – photo credit: Tim Waterman

Romantic urban places, spaces or routes that have so far been recommended include bridges and river views, church gardens and cemeteries!  However, there is a definite bias towards parks and green spaces, with the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park, London already having been recommended more than any other place.

There has been a superb response from Dubliners following a feature in the Irish Times and on Spin1038FM on Valentine’s Day.

“Meeting House Square in Temple Bar, though surrounded by award-winning architecture, it’s such a backwater in terms of footfall that it makes an ideal place for a snog!”

Interest in the Romantic Ribbons initiative has come from all over the world, with entries to the competition from Australia to the USA. Check this Google map to read some of the entries. If you have a romantic urban hotspot you would like to recommend, it is not too late.

This article previously appeared on the Rethinking Cities website.  The Romantic Ribbons initiative ran from 2006 to 2011.