The upcoming Milan Cortina Games will feature a historic first, with two Olympic cauldrons set to pay tribute to Leonardo da Vinci.
For the first time in the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, two cauldrons – one in Milan and another in Cortina d’Ampezzo – will be lit and extinguished simultaneously across different locations, organisers have confirmed.
The design, now unveiled, is a striking sun-like structure drawing inspiration from Leonardo’s intricate knot patterns.
The Renaissance master spent nearly 25 years of his life in Milan, producing many of his most celebrated works during his time in the city.
These innovative cauldrons are engineered to open and close, expanding their diameter from 3.1 metres to 4.5 metres, with the Olympic flame housed within a glass and metal core.
The Milan cauldron will be situated at the city’s Arco della Pace, while Cortina’s will grace Piazza Dibona.
Both will be ignited concurrently during the widespread opening ceremony on 6 February and extinguished on 22 February. They will then host the Paralympic flame from 6 to 15 March.
Additionally, a special three to five-minute show will run hourly at the Milan cauldron each evening throughout the Olympics.
