Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Torch Relay Route Unveiled: A 12,000 km Journey Across Italy

The 'Greatest Journey' Begins

The organizing committee for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has officially unveiled the detailed route for the Olympic Torch Relay, an ambitious 12,000-kilometer journey set to traverse Italy. Dubbed 'The Greatest Journey', the relay will span 63 days, engaging communities across the nation in the lead-up to the Games.

The Olympic flame will be lit in Olympia, Greece, on November 26, 2025. Following a handover ceremony in Athens on December 4, 2025, the flame will arrive in Italy. The Italian leg of the relay will officially commence from Rome on December 6, 2025, culminating in Milan at the San Siro Stadium for the Opening Ceremony on February 6, 2026.

An Extensive Route Showcasing Italy's Heritage

The torch relay is designed to highlight Italy's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, passing through all 110 Italian provinces and more than 300 municipalities. Approximately 60 cities will host major end-of-day celebrations, fostering a widespread national festivity. Key landmarks and iconic 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 Grand Canal in Venice
• The picturesque Amalfi Coast
• The Punta Gnifetti in the Monte Rosa massif, one of the highest peaks in the Alps

The flame will spend Christmas in Naples and ring in the New Year in Bari. A significant stop will be Cortina d'Ampezzo on January 26, 2026, marking 70 years since it hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics. The final days of the relay will see the torch illuminate various Milanese landmarks, including the Piazza del Duomo, Stazione Centrale, and Castello Sforzesco, before reaching the Opening Ceremony.

Torchbearers and Symbolism

A total of 10,001 torchbearers are expected to carry the Olympic flame, embodying the values of sport and inspiring new generations. The torch itself, designed by Carlo Ratti Associati, is light blue, flute-shaped, and crafted from recycled aluminum. It is refillable and powered by renewable liquefied petroleum gas, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

Giovanni Malagò, President of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, emphasized the relay's purpose, 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. It will be a journey that weaves roots and future, hospitality and innovation, celebrating the essence of Italy.'

The Road to the Games

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place from February 6 to 22, 2026. Following the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Torch Relay will commence on February 24, 2026, from Stoke Mandeville, UK, covering 2,000 kilometers over 11 days with 501 torchbearers, concluding on March 6, 2026. These relays serve as a powerful prelude, uniting the nation in anticipation of the international multi-sport event.