Previewing the Olympic Torch Relay's 43rd Stage: Villafranca di Verona to Mantova

On Monday 19 January, the Flame of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games will cross the Veneto region and the Po Valley for its forty-third stage, a route that combines historic villages, agricultural landscapes and territories that tell the story of some of the most recognisable identities of Northern Italy. The programme of the day The day will open at 8.20 am in Villafranca di Verona, ​a city ​dominated by the Scaliger Fortress, the great fortification built between the 12th and 14th centuries that still defines the profile of the historic centre. ​​At 9:15 a.m., the Flame will reach Valeggio sul Mincio, ​whose ​village is built around a ​medieval nucleus overlooking the river. ​​The journey will then continue at 11:05 am towards Asola, an ancient walled city that preserves evidence of the past in the architecture of the historic centre, including the Gothic cathedral of Sant'Andrea, begun in 1472. At 13.45, the relay will arrive in Viadana, ​where 15 torchbearers will accompany the Flame along ​the centre of this village ​in the ​Lower Mantua area. ​​The route will continue at 2.40 pm in Brescello, whose places made famous by cinema will offer a stretch with strong popular value. At 3.40 pm, the Flame will reach Suzzara, a city ​known for the ​artistic competition founded in 1948 ​that has consolidated its role in the dialogue between contemporary art and the world of work. ​​ The stage will culminate at 7:30 pm in Piazza Sordello in Mantova, ​where the city ​celebration ​will welcome the brazier in the Renaissance setting of the city, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the exceptional architectural complex developed under the Gonzaga. ​​ During the day, the Flame will also cross some symbolic landscapes of the territory, accompanied by a dedicated convoy: the hills of Custoza, an area historically suited to wine production; Isola della Scala, ​where the plot of the irrigation canals defines one of the most representative landscapes of the Veronese plain; and the vineyards of Soave, which surround the Scaliger castle and are part of one of the most recognisable wine landscapes of the Veneto region. ​​ These passages will offer the stage panoramic views and identity moments that will enrich the story of the Flame in its descent towards Mantova. ​​ Discover the route of the 43rd stage The travel partners