Which city hosted the closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics on February 22, 2026?

The closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics, which officially concluded on February 22, 2026, was held in the historic city of Verona, Italy. While the games themselves were famously co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, marking the first time two cities officially shared the Olympic title, Verona was chosen for the grand finale. This decision was a nod to Italy's rich cultural heritage and provided a distinctive setting for the event.

The iconic Verona Arena, a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater dating back to 30 AD, served as the stunning backdrop for the closing festivities. This ancient venue, renowned for its open-air opera festivals, offered a unique connection to the spirit of the ancient Olympic Games, even though Verona did not host any of the sporting competitions. The ceremony, titled "Beauty in Action," celebrated Italian art and culture, featuring performances that paid tribute to opera, music, and dance, and culminated in the traditional handover of the Olympic flag to the next host nation, France, for the 2030 Winter Olympics.

The choice of Verona underscored the Milano Cortina 2026 Games' commitment to showcasing the breadth of Italian identity, blending modern athletic achievement with the nation's profound historical legacy. The Verona Arena's role extended beyond the Olympics, as it also hosted the opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Paralympics, further cementing its place in the history of these international sporting events.