On 30 December, the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Torch Relay will cross Salento, following a route that will bring natural landscapes and baroque architecture into constant dialogue, from the start in Nardò to the finish in Lecce in the evening.
The programme of the day
The day will begin in Nardò, a city recognisable for its scenic squares and an old town with elegant baroque proportions. Crossing its urban fabric, the Flame will move between palaces that tell the story of the noble families that have defined its architectural identity. The route will continue towards Gallipoli, where the ancient village, lying on an island of limestone rock, maintains a deep relationship with the Ionian Sea, which has always guided its life and activities.
Leaving the coast, the relay will reach Presicce-Acquarica and Maglie, areas where the rural landscape is marked by centuries-old olive trees, dry stone walls and ancient masserie. Here the Flame will cross a part of Salento where the agricultural tradition is still intertwined with a lively artisan identity, helping to define a unique rhythm in the cultural landscape of the region.
The arrival in Otranto will then offer one of the most evocative moments of the day. The ancient village, overlooking the Adriatic and known as the easternmost point of Italy, preserves walls, streets and sea views that tell of centuries of encounters and exchanges. In this stretch there will be no shortage of views capable of evoking the strength of the Salento coastal landscape, where the light stone and the sea line compose a natural picture of great balance.
The stage will end in Lecce, where the Flame will enter the urban fabric through streets that anticipate the elegance of the baroque city. The route will naturally lead to the arrival in Piazza Angelo Rizzo, which will become the setting for the city celebration, a collective moment that will unite architecture, community and city atmosphere in a closing full of participation.
Discover the complete route of the 23rd stage.
The partners of the Journey
The Olympic Flame is accompanied by two exceptional partners: Coca-Cola and Eni are, in fact, the Presenting Partners of the Olympic Flame Relay in support of this extraordinary moment that marks the last stretch of road before the start of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games. The entire Olympic Torch Relay is enhanced by the special activations and events of Coca-Cola and Eni, which make each stage even more engaging and memorable, transmitting energy, emotion and participation throughout the route.