Historic Verona prepares to go center stage with Olympic finale

As the Olympic torch makes its journey through Italy ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, the city of Verona is preparing to host its historic finale.

The final act will unfold in Verona's Roman amphitheater, one of the country's most treasured cultural sites and a UNESCO World Heritage landmark. 

The Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation says the theme will be "Beauty in Action", paying homage to the nation's cultural identity through opera, music, dance, and design. 

Alfredo Accatino, Artistic Director at Filmmaster, the agency producing the event, told CGTN that the performance is envisioned as "a tribute to the movements of art, culture and sport, a tribute to beauty in all its forms." 

Yet staging such an ambitious production in an ancient open-air venue comes with significant challenges. Adriano Martella, Filmmaster's Creative Director, explained that the team must rethink typical event logistics to adapt to the unconventional space. 

"Of course, the backstage is not one that a normal stadium would allow," Martella said. "At the same time, the weather becomes an aspect - you have to design it cleverly and you must rely on several techniques." 

Beyond its architectural grandeur, Verona enjoys worldwide fame as the romantic setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, drawing millions of visitors every year. 

However, Mayor Damiano Tommasi emphasizes that the city is looking beyond its historical image. Hosting both the Olympic Closing Ceremony and the Paralympic Opening Ceremony gives Verona the chance to deliver contemporary messages of inclusion, accessibility, and unity.

He told CGTN that preparations are focused not only on infrastructure but also on fostering the "spirit and emotion of the event, spreading the message of universality." 

To support that mission, substantial renovation works are underway at the arena. Improvements include upgraded seating, redesigned access routes, new ramps, and the installation of an elevator. 

Built around 30 CE – predating even Rome's Colosseum – Verona's Arena stands as a powerful symbol of endurance. Games organizers say its refurbishment is more than a functional necessity as it represents a link between nearly 2,000 years of history and the present-day Olympic movement.

They believe the improvements will continue to benefit the city well after the Olympic flame has moved on.