Italy Lights Olympic Flame at Quirinale Palace as Milano-Cortina Winter Games Countdown Begins

The flame, first ignited in ancient Olympia and handed over in Athens, arrived in Rome and was ceremonially lit in front of the presidential palace. More than a symbol, the flame marks the start of a nationwide relay stretching over 12,000 km through Italy’s 20 regions, involving over 10,000 torchbearers. As the flame begins its passage from the heart of Rome, anticipation builds across the nation ahead of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics — a celebration of sport, heritage and unity at a moment when global solidarity feels especially meaningful.

A Historic Ceremony in Rome

Under a grey winter sky, the flame was lit in the square of Quirinale Palace — a building steeped in centuries of Italian history. The lantern carrying the flame, kindled in Greece, was brought to the palace the night before and displayed inside its ceremonial hall. On Friday morning, a ceremonial cauldron was ignited in Piazza del Quirinale, officially marking the start of the torch’s journey across Italy.

Among those present were Italy’s president and senior Olympic officials, lending gravitas to the moment. The ceremony served as a reminder that the Games represent more than competition: they are a beacon of peace, unity, and shared human spirit at a time when the world needs togetherness. Hundreds of onlookers witnessed the flame’s re-birth — a powerful image blending history, tradition and hope.

The Torch’s Long Journey Begins

With the lighting complete, the flame is set to depart Rome on December 6, beginning a relay that will cover approximately 12,000 km. It will touch all 20 Italian regions, pass through 110 provinces, and visit 60 cities — carried by 10,001 torchbearers. The route aims to bring the Olympic spirit to every corner of the country, from the Alpine north to the southern coast, weaving together Italy’s diverse geography and rich culture.

Iconic landmarks — from ancient piazzas to historic towns — will greet the torch along the way. For many communities, the flame’s arrival will be both a celebration of sport and a moment of national pride. This journey promises to unite Italians across generations and regions, building excitement and anticipation for the opening ceremony in Milan.

What the Flame Represents

For Italy — once host of the Winter Games in 2006 — the return of the Olympic flame carries deep symbolic weight. It embodies continuity between past and present, a reaffirmation of Olympic ideals, and a message that sport can transcend divisions. The relay is more than logistical: it’s a mission to reignite national passion for winter sports, unite diverse communities, and celebrate Italy’s cultural and geographic tapestry under one flame. 

At a time of global uncertainty, the ceremony was also a call for peace, solidarity and the enduring value of cooperation. As the flame journeys from village to city, from north to south, it carries with it hopes for unity, respect, and collective joy — not just for a successful Games, but for a better future.

Looking Ahead — From Rome to Milan

As the torch begins its odyssey, attention now turns to the towns and cities waiting along the route — many preparing local celebrations, school events, and community gatherings to welcome the flame. Over the coming weeks, the fire that started in Olympia is set to become a national symbol once more: one of unity, heritage, and shared human spirit.

When the flame finally reaches Milan and the opening cauldron is lit for Milano-Cortina 2026, it will mark not just the start of a sporting event, but the culmination of a journey that has touched hearts across an entire country.