At the upcoming Milano-Cortina Winter Games, organizers have announced a unique tribute to Leonardo da Vinci through the installation of two Olympic cauldrons. This marks the first instance in Olympic and Paralympic history where dual cauldrons will be simultaneously ignited and extinguished in different locations – Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Inspired by Leonardo’s intricate knot patterns, the design of the cauldrons, resembling a sun-like structure, has been unveiled. Milan, where Leonardo spent a significant part of his life and created many renowned works, will host one cauldron at the Arco della Pace, while the other will be located in Cortina at Piazza Dibona.
The cauldrons, featuring a unique opening and closing mechanism, will range in diameter from 3.1 to 4.5 meters, housing the Olympic flame within a glass and metal enclosure. The ceremonial lighting will take place on Feb. 6, with simultaneous ignitions in both cities, and they will be extinguished on Feb. 22, followed by the Paralympic flame burning from March 6 to 15.
During the Winter Games, spectators can enjoy a special three to five-minute show, presented hourly in the evenings at the Milan cauldron. This artistic display aims to enhance the overall experience of the Olympics for attendees and viewers alike.