This design was based on torches depicted on
ancient Roman monuments and it contrasted
with the Modernist architecture created for
the Games by Pier Luigi Nervi.
The torch journey began at the ancient port
of Piraeus, the port of Athens on the Amerigo
Vespucci boat which transported it to Syracuse.
From there, 1,529 athletes carried it for 2,750 km
around Italy until it reached Rome, where the
last relay was completed by Giancarlo Peri.
The base is inscribed with the words, 'Giochi
della XVII Olympiade'.