Olympic torch marks start of 2026 by passing into Molise region

The Olympic torch relay has begun its journey across Italy, passing iconic landmarks like Castel del Monte, ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Spanning 12,000 km, the relay will visit all 110 Italian provinces before the Games kick off in February.

IOC / MILANO-CORTINA 2026/Reuters

January 2, 2026

Olympic torch begins Italian journey for 2026 Winter Games, passing through Castel del Monte and Southern Italy.

The Olympic torch relay kicked off the New Year as it departed Italy’s Pulia region and made its way into Molise and the city of Campobasso. Along its route through Southern Italy, the torch passed through the iconic Castel del Monte.

Lit last month in ancient Olympia, Greece—the birthplace of the original Olympic Games—the torch was handed over to the Italian Games organizers in early December. It officially began its Italian journey from Rome’s historic Stadio dei Marmi on December 6.

The relay will cover approximately 12,000 kilometers (7,450 miles), traveling through all 110 Italian provinces and more than 300 municipalities. It is leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will be co-hosted by Milan and the Dolomite resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo from February 6 to 22. The Paralympic Games will follow in March.

-Production: Oliver Regan/Reuters