On December 28, 2025 the Journey of the Flame of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games it will cross a stretch of territory that brings the historical depth of Irpinia into dialogue with the landscapes of Vulture, in a route that gradually accompanies the Flame towards the heart of Basilicata. It is a stage that alternates hills, plateaus and historic centres, building a narrative that moves between memory, community and nature.
The program of the day
The day will begin Avellinoa city that maintains a deep relationship with the territory and its traditions. Crossing the center will mean moving between tree-lined avenues and buildings that tell an urban story built in the name of resilience and territorial roots.
The route will continue towards Melfiwhere the imposing presence of Mount Vulture defines a landscape that still retains elements of its volcanic origin. The castle and the historic architecture of the center will accompany the Flame in a stretch where nature and history coexist in a particularly harmonious way. From here the relay will reach Rionero in Vulturea community that has its roots in the local agricultural tradition, and subsequently Venousbirthplace of the Latin poet Horace, where Roman and medieval stratification contributes to defining a recognizable and authentic urban fabric.
During the day you will pass through scenarios that recall the variety of the Lucanian territory: the areas that they evoke Castel Lagopesolewith its dominant position over the valley; or the rural landscapes around Pietragallamarked by the presence of the “palmenti”, ancient environments carved into the rock, guardians of a peasant knowledge that belongs to the deepest history of the region. These hints will enter the narrative in a light way, offering the stage a broad and coherent scope.
The stage will end at Powera city located at over eight hundred meters above sea level and characterized by a historic center that extends between alleys, panoramic perspectives and civil architecture. Crossing the urban core, the Flame will reach Piazza Mario Pagano, where the city celebration will bring the community together around the brazier in a symbolic moment that unites territory, participation and Olympic spirit.
Discover the complete route of the 21st stage.
The partners of the Journey
The Olympic Flame is accompanied by two exceptional partners: Coca-cola e Eni they are, in fact, i Presenting Partner of the Journey of the Olympic Flame in support of this extraordinary moment which marks the last stretch of the road before the start of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Games. The entire Journey of the Olympic 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.
