Stage 22 Overview: Basilicata to Puglia
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Flame continues its journey through southern Italy, tracing a route that blends rugged terrains, rural charm, and the shimmering coastline. On 29 December 2025, the 22nd stage sends the Flame from the rocky horizons of Basilicata toward the sunlit shores of Puglia, finalizing its path as it heads toward Taranto. This leg emphasizes regional natural beauty and cultural heritage, underscoring the unifying spirit of the Olympic movement.
Route Details and Geography
The stage traverses a landscape where the characteristic Karst-like rocks meet the pastoral lanes of the Murgia, a plateaulike upland that has cradle-like villages and centuries-old farming traditions. Pilgrims of the Flame will encounter a natural balance of inland wilds and sea-adjacent ecosystems as the route transitions from inland valleys to coastal routes. The trajectory is designed to highlight Basilicata’s rugged charm before dipping toward Puglia’s low, sun-drenched plains and the Ionian glimmer along Taranto’s Bay.
Key Waypoints and Moments
Organizers have identified a series of ceremonial stops that celebrate local culture, community sports clubs, and regional gastronomy. Each stop offers a short reading, a musical tribute, and a moment of reflection on Olympic values: excellence, friendship, and respect. The sequence is planned to maximize public engagement while ensuring security and accessibility for spectators along the route.
Cultural Significance of the Basilicata-to-Puglia Leg
The transition from Basilicata to Puglia is more than a geographic shift: it symbolizes the movement of ideas and unity across Italy’s diverse regions. Basilicata’s storied landscapes and traditional crafts set a vivid stage for the Flame, while Puglia’s coastal identity and agricultural roots provide a hopeful gateway to Taranto and the broader southern narrative of the Games. The leg reinforces the message that sport connects people across differences in language, cuisine, and topography.
What to Expect for Viewers and Participants
Fans along the route can anticipate a family-friendly atmosphere with official Torch Relay ceremonies, public gatherings, and live updates. Local communities will host small-scale events with volunteers, photographers, and media teams capturing the moment when the Flame passes through their towns. For participants, the stage combines ceremonial pomp with practical logistics: safe flame-handling procedures, medical support, and efficient crowd management to allow a seamless experience for spectators and torchbearers alike.
How to Follow the Stage
Media outlets and Milano Cortina organizers will provide live coverage, updates on social networks, and official schedules noting start times and key stops. Viewers can follow the journey through official channels, ensuring they don’t miss the ceremonial handovers as the Flame moves closer to Taranto and the next leg in the relay. The schedule is designed to balance celebratory events with transport realities, all while maintaining a secure, respectful environment for participants.
Looking Ahead: From Basilicata to Taranto
As the Flame nears Taranto, spectators will witness the culmination of this leg’s narrative: a coastal crossing that ties the inland regions to the sea, culminating in a city with a storied maritime heritage. The 22nd stage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Torch Relay embodies the Olympic ideal—bringing people together in celebration, resilience, and shared aspirations for Paris 2024 and beyond.
