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Olympic Ghost Towns: Italy's Abandoned Venues
22 Feb
Summary
- Torino's 2006 Olympic venues are now derelict.
- Billions were spent, but facilities were abandoned.
- New venues in Milan Cortina prioritize reuse.
The venues from Italy's 2006 Torino Winter Olympics are now derelict, a stark contrast to the nation's current hosting of the Milan Cortina Games. Despite a massive £5.2 billion investment for the 2006 event, facilities such as the Cesana Pariol bobsleigh track and the Pragelato ski jump have fallen into disrepair.
Urban explorers documented the extensive overgrowth, graffiti, and dilapidated structures, highlighting the abandonment since 2012. These sites, once centers of international competition, now resemble ghost towns. The presenters questioned the true meaning of 'legacy' when venues become too specialized and costly to maintain.
Organizers for the 2026 Milan Cortina Games aim for a different outcome, stating 85% of venues are pre-existing or temporary. The Olympic Village is slated for conversion into student accommodation, with anticipated long-term benefits to transport and infrastructure in northern Italy. This approach contrasts sharply with the neglected state of Torino's past Olympic sites.
