On Tuesday 20 January, the Flame Journey of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games will cross the lower Veronese and Polesine areas for its forty-fourth stage, a route that follows the historical streets of the Venetian plain between fortified villages, river junctions and Renaissance architecture. ​​
The programme of the day
The day will begin at 9.50 am in Nogara, where the Flame will enter the centre that still preserves the particular star-shaped layout of the fortifications redesigned by Michele Sanmicheli for the Serenissima. ​​At 11.35 a.m., the torch will reach Legnago, a strategic hub on the Adige river and ​one of the fortified points of the Venetian Republic, and then arrive at 1.15 p.m. in Rovigo, known as the “city of roses”, where 16 torchbearers will alternate.
In the early afternoon, at 3.25 pm, ​the Flame ​will arrive in Monselice, a city at the foot of the Euganean Hills characterised by the presence of the Sanctuary of the Seven Churches. ​​Here, 13 torchbearers will carry the ​torch ​through the historic centre. ​​At 4.45 pm, the relay will reach Este, recognisable for its medieval castle with crenellated walls and twelve towers, which dominates the urban profile and bears witness to the long history of the area.
The stage will culminate in Vicenza, with arrival scheduled for 7.30 pm in Piazza dei Signori, where the city ​celebration ​will welcome the brazier in the setting of the city defined by the profiles of the Palladian Basilica and the Renaissance buildings that surround it. ​​
During the day, the Flame will also pass through some symbolic places in the area, accompanied by a dedicated convoy. ​​These include Adria, an ancient city of Etruscan origin linked to the history of the Po delta; Abano Terme, known for its thermal waters and the landscape of the Euganean Hills; and the Palladian villas of the Vicenza area, an architectural heritage that testifies to the legacy of Andrea Palladio in the Venetian landscape. ​​These passages will offer recognisable glimpses and identity moments that will enrich the story of the Flame on its journey to Vicenza. ​​
Discover the route of the 44th stage
The partners of the journey
The Olympic Flame is accompanied by two exceptional partners: Coca‑Cola and Eni are the ​Presenting Partners of the Olympic Flame Journey in support of this extraordinary moment that marks the last stretch of road before the start of the Milan Cortina 2026 Games. ​​The entire journey of the Flame is enriched by the activations and special events of Coca-Cola and Eni, which make each stage even more ​engaging and memorable, transmitting energy, emotion and participation along the entire route.