Verona is preparing to welcome the Paralympic Flame as it makes its way through the city this afternoon, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. The flame’s journey, a symbol of inclusivity and athletic achievement, will impact traffic flow as it winds through Verona’s historic streets between 3:30 PM and 5:15 PM local time (9:30 PM – 10:15 PM UTC).
The route begins on Via Del Fante, proceeding along Via Del Pontiere. From there, the flame will travel via Via Pallone, then onto Via Ponte Rofiolo, Via San Pietro Incarnario, Stradone Maffei, and Stradone San Fermo. This carefully planned path is designed to showcase the city and engage the community with the spirit of the Paralympics.
Continuing its journey, the flame will proceed along Via Leoni, Lungadige Bartolomeo Rubele, Ponte Nuovo, Lungadige Re Teodorico, and Rigaste Redentore. A particularly scenic stretch will spot the flame pass in front of the Teatro Romano, before continuing along Lungadige San Giorgio, Piazzetta San Giorgio, Via Mameli, and Viale D’Annunzio. The route then extends through Viale Nino Bixio, Via Dei Mille, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Via Ederle, and Via IV Novembre.
The flame will ultimately arrive in San Zeno via Via and Ponte Risorgimento, then through Via Pontida, Piazza Bacanal, and Via Porta San Zeno. Authorities have announced traffic restrictions along the entire route between 3:30 PM and 5:15 PM. These closures will be brief, lasting approximately 15 minutes per section, to allow the safe passage of the torch relay. A complete parking ban with vehicle removal will be in effect throughout Piazza San Zeno from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, as the square will host official events and celebrations related to the flame’s arrival.
The arrival of the Paralympic Flame in Verona marks a significant moment in the lead-up to the Games. The flame was lit on February 24th in Stoke Mandeville, UK – the historical birthplace of the Paralympic Movement – and began its Italian journey, arriving first in Turin. [1]
Beyond the torch relay itself, Verona is preparing for a city-wide celebration. From 8:00 PM onwards, Casa Verona will open its doors to citizens, sports enthusiasts, and visitors to watch the live broadcast of the Paralympic Games opening ceremony. This event promises to be a focal point for community engagement and excitement as the Games draw near.
The Paralympic Flame’s journey through Italy, covering over 2,000 kilometers and involving 501 torchbearers, is more than just a ceremonial event. It’s a celebration of sport, inclusion, and community spirit. Giovanni Malagò, president of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, emphasized that the relay represents the Games’ “deepest legacy – cultural and social.” He added that each stop along the route will be an opportunity to celebrate sport’s power to unite communities and promote inclusion. [3]
The flame’s arrival in Verona is particularly noteworthy as it precedes the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Winter Games, scheduled for March 6th at the Verona Arena. This event will officially kick off the world’s premier sporting event for athletes with disabilities. [1]
As Verona prepares to host this momentous occasion, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to line the streets and show their support for the Paralympic Movement. The flame represents a powerful message of unity, courage, and the limitless potential of the human spirit. The city anticipates a vibrant atmosphere as it welcomes the Paralympic Flame and prepares to host the world.
The journey of the Paralympic Flame continues tomorrow, March 7th, as it moves onward toward the official start of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Keep checking Archysport for the latest updates and coverage from the Games.
