The Olympic flame spent Wednesday night at the Parthenon in Athens after a short ceremony atop the Acropolis.
Greek rower Stefanos Ntouskos, an Olympic gold medallist, carried the torch through the site and lit a cauldron set beside the ancient temple.
The stop marks the final stage before the flame is handed to Milan Cortina Winter Games officials.
Italy will host its third Winter Games, but preparations have faced rising costs and delays linked to major construction work.
For organisers, the flame's overnight stay in Athens offers a moment of tradition and calm before the challenges ahead.