On 14 January the symbol of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics sailed across the section of the lake separating Stresa from Isola Bella, the Borromean Gulf
Lake Maggiore’s unique landscape was the backdrop to the journey of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic flame on 14 January. For the occasion, the torch travelled on board the historic Piemonte steamship which first took to the waters way back in 1904. This symbol of the Olympics has travelled through a great many iconic Italian locations over recent weeks. On Lake Maggiore it sailed across the section of the lake separating Stresa and Isola Bella on a boat which made Italian lake navigation history, and which is recently back in action after a two-year restoration. It’s a one-of-a-kind appointment which showcased the beauties of Lake Maggiore to the full, especially attractions such as Isola Bella.
A NAVIGATION GEM
The Piemonte steamship, a jewel in our lake navigation crown, transported the Olympic flame from Stresa to Isola Bella. The boat has a 440-seat capacity, with 197 of these under cover.
Important figures such as Alessandro Morelli, Under Secretary to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, and Pietro Marrapodi, Navigazione Laghi’s manager were present at the event. “The flame’s journey across the Borromean Gulf was not simply a ceremonial occasion. It was also an important local marketing opportunity. The decision to use the Piemonte steamship shone a spotlight on the preservation of local traditions and industrial architecture, the driving forces behind sustainable, top quality tourism”, underlined Morelli, as the Corriere della Sera newspaper reported. “Transporting the Olympic flame was a source of pride for the whole of our company”, commented Marrapodi. “Putting our historic excellences to the service of such an international event is a sign of the indissoluble bond between the institution I represent and the region’s tourist development.”
