The road to the Winter Games passes through the heart of the Renaissance. Here is everything you need to know about the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Torch Relay in Florence this Thursday, December 11, 2025.
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The Ceremony at Piazza Santissima Annunziata
The spirit of the Olympics is arriving in Tuscany. The official Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Torch will arrive in Florence (Firenze) on Thursday, December 11, 2025, featuring a special celebration in the historic Piazza Santissima Annunziata.
The event is scheduled from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM, culminating in the lighting of the Olympic cauldron—a symbolic moment marking the countdown to the Winter Games.
Key Event Details
- Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025
- Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM (17:00 – 19:30)
- Location: Piazza Santissima Annunziata, Florence
- Highlight: Arrival of the torchbearers and lighting of the cauldron.
From Greece to Italy: The Journey to 2026
The journey began in Olympia, Greece, where the flame was lit on November 26, 2025. Since then, it has embarked on a tour traversing Italy, building anticipation for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, scheduled for February 6 to February 22, 2026.
This modern relay tradition, which dates back to the 1936 Games, continues to unite cities and communities across the peninsula.
The Florence Ceremony: What to Expect
The torch’s passage through the Tuscan capital was formalized via an agreement between the Municipality of Florence and the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation.
On December 11, the flame will be carried by torchbearers (tedofori) arriving from the direction of Piazza Pitti. They will make their way to Piazza Santissima Annunziata, where the main festivities will take place. The program features a continuous ceremony from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM in the historical center, attended by current athletes, sporting legends, and city officials.
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The Olympic Torch Route Through Tuscany
Before lighting up Florence, the torch is taking a scenic route through some of Tuscany’s most iconic landscapes.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025:
The Tuscan leg begins in Arezzo, moving through the wine country of Montalcino and the lunar landscapes of the Crete Senesi. It continues through Montepulciano and Pienza, reaching the historic center of Siena by evening.
Thursday, December 11, 2025:
On the day of the Florence ceremony, the flame travels through:
- San Gimignano
- Grosseto
- Volterra
- Pontedera
- Empoli
Finally, it ascends toward the center of Florence for the official evening ceremony.
After Florence: The Next Stops
Once the Florentine chapter concludes, the relay continues its northward journey. The flame will pass through Prato, Montecatini Terme, Pisa, Pistoia, Lucca, and Livorno.
It will briefly leave Tuscany to tour other regions, only to return on January 9, 2026, to cross through Carrara and Massa before making its final way toward the opening ceremony of the Winter Games.
Italian Design: The “Essential” Torch by Carlo Ratti
The torch itself is a masterpiece of modern Italian design. Named “Essential,” it was created by renowned architect and designer Carlo Ratti.
Crafted from brass and aluminum, the torch is designed to withstand winter weather conditions while paying homage to Italy’s design heritage.
It merges functionality with a minimalist aesthetic, serving as the vessel that carries the Olympic spirit across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will the Olympic Torch be in Florence?
The torch arrives on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
Where is the Olympic ceremony in Florence being held?
The ceremony will take place at Piazza Santissima Annunziata.
Is the event free to attend?
Yes, the torch relay and the ceremony in the piazza are open to the public.
To follow the full route and official updates, check the Milano-Cortina 2026 website.
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