Olympic Flame to Begin 'Great Journey' in November 2025
The organizing committee for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has officially unveiled the comprehensive route for the Olympic Torch Relay, an epic 12,000-kilometer journey designed to traverse the entirety of Italy. The relay, dubbed 'Il Grande Viaggio' (The Great Journey), is set to commence with the traditional lighting of the Olympic flame in Olympia, Greece, on November 26, 2025.
Following the lighting ceremony, the flame will be transported to Athens for a handover ceremony on December 4, 2025. Its arrival in Italy will mark the official start of the Italian leg of the relay from Rome on December 6, 2025, originating from the historic Stadio dei Marmi.
Extensive Route to Showcase Italy's Diverse Landscape
The 63-day relay will weave through more than 300 municipalities across all 110 Italian provinces, with 60 cities designated to host major end-of-day celebrations. This extensive route aims to highlight Italy's rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, connecting communities nationwide.
Key landmarks and significant locations along the route include:
- The Colosseum and Trevi Fountain in Rome
- The Piazza del Campo in Siena
- The spectacular Marmore Falls in Umbria
- The iconic Grand Canal in Venice
- The picturesque Amalfi Coast
- Punta Gnifetti in the Monte Rosa massif, one of the highest peaks in the Alps
The flame is scheduled to spend Christmas in Naples and ring in the New Year in Bari. A significant stop will be in Cortina d'Ampezzo on January 26, 2026, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony held there.
Unifying the Nation Ahead of the Games
The relay will involve 10,001 torchbearers, symbolizing a collective national celebration leading up to the Games. Giovanni Malagò, President of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, emphasized the relay's significance, stating, 'Every step of the Relay through our cities will remind the world of the power of sport to build bridges and break down barriers.' He added that it 'will be a journey that weaves roots and future, hospitality and innovation, celebrating the essence of Italy.'
The Olympic Torch Relay is supported by presenting partners Coca-Cola and Eni, who will contribute to enhancing each stage with special activations. The journey will culminate in Milan, with the flame entering the San Siro Stadium on the evening of February 6, 2026, for the highly anticipated Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympics.
10 Comments
Eric Cartman
Highlighting Italy's beauty and history is a brilliant idea. Can't wait to follow it!
Kyle Broflovski
More corporate sponsorship than genuine spirit. It's just a big marketing stunt.
Eric Cartman
10,001 torchbearers? That's amazing community involvement! Go Italy!
Stan Marsh
Disrupting 300 municipalities for this? Local residents will hate the traffic and closures.
Eric Cartman
Showcasing landmarks like the Colosseum is fantastic for tourism and global image. Yet, the heavy reliance on corporate sponsors makes it feel less like a pure Olympic ideal and more like an advertising tour.
dedus mopedus
They should focus on the athletes, not an over-the-top parade. Too much spectacle.
ytkonos
The idea of uniting the nation with 10,001 torchbearers is inspiring and inclusive. Still, the practical challenges of coordinating security and logistics for 63 days across so many locations seem incredibly daunting.
lettlelenok
This relay will truly unite the country before the Games. Fantastic initiative!
Eugene Alta
12,000 km? Sounds like an unnecessary expense and logistical nightmare. Waste of money.
Loubianka
It's exciting to build anticipation for the Games and connect with different cities. But I hope the focus remains on the spirit of sport and not just the grand spectacle, which can sometimes overshadow the true meaning.