Olympic torch relay winds through Puglia

The Olympic flame wound its way through Italy’s southern Puglia region on Tuesday (December 30), as it continues to delight onlookers throughout the Olympic host nation.

The 23rd leg of the Olympic Torch Relay started the day in Nardo before heading to the coastal city of Gallipoli and down to Presicce-Acquarica in the extreme south of the ‘heel’ of Italy’s ‘boot’.

Torchbearers then carried the flame across the peninsula with stops in Maglie and Otranto.

The day’s leg ended in Lecce, famed for its baroque architecture.

The flame will continue its journey through the regions of Italy, arriving in Cortina d'Ampezzo on January 26, exactly 70 years after the kick-off of the 1956 Games at the same venue.

It will end its journey at Milan's San Siro stadium in time for the opening ceremony on February 6.

-Production: Kurt Michael Hall/Reuters