Olympic Legacy: Turin's Transformation and Caution for Milano Cortina 2026

Turin's 2006 Winter Olympics transformed the city's global image but left it with significant debt and unused infrastructure. While the event boosted local morale and international visibility, its long-term economic impact was a net loss. Milan and Cortina now prepare for the 2026 Games, aiming to learn from Turin’s experience.

The 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin marked a significant transformation for the city, shifting its image from an industrial hub dominated by Fiat to a vibrant center for sports, culture, and tourism. While the event left Turin with a prominent global status, it also resulted in substantial debt and underutilized infrastructure, offering a powerful lesson for the forthcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Games.

Prominent figures such as architect Carlo Ratti and Basicnet's Marco Boglione reflect positively on the resurgence of civic pride and international attention brought by the Olympics. However, they also acknowledge that the games did not deliver a sustainable infrastructure legacy. The city's dependence on automotive giant Fiat lessened, as it secured improved transport links and new venues, but financial challenges persisted.

With the 2026 Winter Olympics slated for Milan and Cortina, their organizers are mindful of the economic pitfalls encountered by Turin. While Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini remains optimistic about the Games' potential impacts, urban experts urge caution, pointing to Turin's ongoing financial burdens as a cultural and economic cautionary tale.

(With inputs from agencies.)