The Olympic Flame for Milano Cortina 2026 begins its Italian journey with a series of ceremonies that set the tone for the months ahead. After being handed to the Italian delegation in Athens, the flame arrived at Rome Fiumicino Airport on December 4, 2025, marking its official return to Italy. From there, it was escorted to the Quirinale Palace, where an important moment awaited.
During the ceremony at the Quirinale, Jasmine Paolini – serving as a torchbearer and celebrated Olympic doubles champion from Paris 2024 – presented the flame to President Sergio Mattarella.
The event underscored Italy’s pride in hosting the upcoming Winter Games and highlighted Paolini’s role as a symbol of contemporary Italian sporting excellence. Several institutional leaders were in attendance, including Giovanni Malagò, president of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, CONI president Luciano Buonfiglio, and the mayors of Milan and Cortina.
The flame spent the night at the Quirinale before beginning the first official stage of its relay on December 5. This launch precedes the broader 63-day journey that will carry the flame through every region of Italy. The full relay, starting December 6 at Rome’s Stadio dei Marmi, features torchbearers from across the country – athletes, performers, public figures – and Paolini’s participation adds a strong connection to Italy’s recent Olympic triumphs.
The route covers nearly 12,000 kilometers and includes 60 host cities, moving at a careful pace of about 4 km/h each day. The convoy typically begins around 7:30 a.m. and concludes by 7:30 p.m., ending each stage with a city celebration that features the lighting of a ceremonial cauldron. These events are designed to create a shared sense of anticipation and unity as communities welcome the flame.
From historic squares to mountain landscapes, the relay highlights Italy’s cultural and geographic richness. President Mattarella’s involvement signals the institutional significance of the Games, while the presence of national sports leaders reinforces the country’s commitment to showcasing its best on the global stage.
The journey will come to a close in Milan on February 6, the day the Winter Games officially open – completing a nationwide celebration that connects athletes, institutions and citizens through the enduring symbol of the Olympic Flame.
