Key Highlights
- The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, northern Italy.
- The area is rich with Catholic saints who have competed and won the race.
- Visitors can explore religious sites and participate in a spiritual pilgrimage during the games.
- Notable churches include Milan’s Duomo di Milano Cathedral and Cortina d’Ampezzo’s Basilica of St. Phillip and St. James.
The 2026 Winter Olympics: More Than Just Sports
In just a few days, northern Italy will host the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. While the focus is on athletic competition, this region is also a treasure trove for those seeking spiritual connections. Teresa Tomeo, who hosts Catholic Connection on EWTN Radio, highlights how many saints are associated with these cities, making it an ideal destination for both athletes and pilgrims.
Religious Sites in Milan
Milan, the capital of Lombardy, is not just a hub for fashion and finance. It’s also home to some of Italy’s most significant religious sites. One such site is the Duomo di Milano Cathedral, dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Mother.
This cathedral took six centuries to complete and is known for its ornate Gothic exterior with 135 spires and beautiful stained-glass windows depicting scenes from both the Old and New Testaments.
Below the cathedral lies an archeological treasure trove, including ruins dating back to Roman times. The tomb of St. Charles Borromeo is also housed here. Visitors shouldn’t miss exploring the main sanctuary but should definitely venture underground to see these historical artifacts.
The Basilica of Sant’ Ambrogio
Just 27 minutes south of Milan, pilgrims can visit the Basilica of Sant’ Ambrogio, where St. Ambrose is buried. This church offers a glimpse into history with its stunning golden ceiling and the beautiful stained-glass windows that tell biblical stories.
The Last Supper
A short walk from Milan’s city center brings us to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, painted on the wall of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. This iconic painting is a must-see for art enthusiasts and pilgrims alike.
Gianna Beretta Molla in Magenta
About 15 miles west of Milan lies the charming town of Magenta, known for its recent saint, Gianna Beretta Molla. The Basilica di San Martino houses her tomb, where visitors can see amazing pictures from her wedding day.
The Holy Shroud in Turin
Just 90 minutes southwest of Milan and closer to the French border is Turin, birthplace of several saints including Sts. Pier Giorgio Frassati, John Bosco, Dominic Savio, and Mary Mazzarella. The city’s cathedral, St.
John the Baptist, houses Pier Giorgio’s tomb as well as the Holy Shroud of Turin. Although not currently available for viewing, a museum nearby provides insight into its history.
The Basilica of Our Lady, Help of Christians in Turin is where Sts. John Bosco and Mary Mazzarella are buried, along with St.
Dominic Savio, who died at the age of 14 after studying under St. John Bosco.
Cortina d’Ampezzo: The “Queen” of the Dolomites
Three hours northeast from Turin brings us to Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Veneto region, known as the “Pearl of the Dolomites.” This town is famous for its alpine scenery and winter sports. Its Basilica of St. Phillip and St.
James serves as a prominent religious landmark.
For athletes and pilgrims alike, visiting these sites can provide spiritual inspiration during the 2026 Winter Olympics. With so many important Catholic saints connected to the locations of this year’s games, we can ask for their intercession and pray that the games will promote peace and dialogue, as Pope Leo recently stated.
