CORTINA 1956. WHERE THE OLYMPIC DREAM BEGAN

There is a story worth rediscovering. It is the story of Cortina d'Ampezzo and the challenge that, in 1956, made it the first Italian town to host the Winter Olympic Games. An event destined to leave an enduring mark, but also the result of a journey shaped by vision, decisions, obstacles and extraordinary determination.

On December 7, a special gathering brings the untold stories of that remarkable adventure back to life with the presentation of the book Cortina 1956. The First Five Olympic Rings, edited by Gherardo Bonini, Franco Cervellati, Marcello Marchioni and Giuseppe Ocello.

The result of extensive archival research, the book retraces the origins, organisation and unfolding of Italy's first Winter Olympics, bringing together previously unpublished accounts, chronicles, statistics, photographs and historical documents. Over 300 pages and more than 200 images take readers behind the scenes of an event that shaped not only the history of sport, but also the story of Cortina and Italy.

Awarded the 2026 Mario Alighiero Manacorda Prize, this remarkable publication offers a fresh perspective on a defining chapter in Olympic history.

An opportunity to look beyond the medals and rediscover the people, ideas and challenges that made a dream possible. Because every great story has a beginning. And Cortina's Olympic story began in 1956.