Cortina 1956

Olympic Winter Games Cortina D'Ampezzo 1956 Official Torch

Aluminum torch with long handle capped by cylindrical bowl. Three sets of Olympic rings cut out on the upper part. Inscription: "VII Giochi Olimpici Invernali Cortina 1956" on the darker silver band at base. 18.5 inches high.

Designer: Ralph Lavers

Flame: unknown fuel; burned wick still inside torch.

The start of the Cortina 1956 torch relay began in Rome on the steps of the Temple of Capitoline Jove and lasted only four days. Torch bearers transported the torch using a variety of methods including airplane, gondola, roller skates, skis and ice skates.

Start date: January 22, 1956, Rome, Italy
End date: January 26, 1956, Ice Stadium, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
First torchbearer: Adolfo Consolini
Last torchbearer: Guido Caroli