Marostica: Chess Game comes to life in the heart of Italy

In the heart of the Veneto region lies a town with a truly unique charm: Marostica, known as the city of chess. Every two years, its main square is transformed into a spectacular stage for the famous Living Chess Game, an event that is far more than a simple performance, it is a blend of history, tradition, theatre, and strategy.

On a giant chessboard laid out across the square, people in period costumes move as chess pieces, bringing to life a reenactment that involves the entire community. It is an event that combines meticulous staging with a medieval atmosphere, turning the historic centre into a timeless immersive experience.

As the sun sets over the castle walls, the atmosphere becomes even more enchanting: music, storytelling, and ancient legends guide the audience through a journey between past and present, making Marostica a place where history is not just told—but truly lived.

Marostica is located in the heart of the Veneto region, surrounded by hills at the foot of the Asiago Plateau. In a beautiful landscape of olive groves, vineyards, and cherry trees, where the famous Marostica IGP cherry is grown, the unmistakable skyline of its two medieval castles stands out.

Marostica chess game is certainly a major attraction here, but the village has yet to be truly discovered by mass tourism. Despite being located a short distance from famous destinations, most notably Venice that is just a hundred kilometers away, it has retained its atmosphere intact.

The art treasures of Vicenza are also nearby, as are the pretty village of Bassano del Grappa and the green landscapes of the Venetian Prealps.

Anyway, this undiscovered Italian treasure offers a unique blend of serenity and vitality, with so much to see and do.

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Marostica's history is long and dates back to prehistoric times. Although the origins of the town's name have puzzled scholars, without reaching a universally accepted conclusion, the events of its past are numerous and well-documented.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Marostica was ruled by Ostrogoths, Byzantines, and finally Lombards, before becoming part of the Duchy of Vicenza. In the Middle Ages, when Vicenza became part of the dominion of the della Scala family, Marostica began to take on the appearance we know today.

The castles, the city walls, and the main church date back to this period, but many others were built starting in the early 15th century, when this charming town became part of the Venetian dominion.

The origins of the Marostica chess game also date back to this period.

The story of the Marostica chess game begins in 1454, but its true roots lie in love. And it’s not just a legend: in 1923, a handwritten document was discovered that recorded the events.

The main characters of this romantic tale are Vieri da Vallonara and Rinaldo d’Angarano, two young nobles in love with the same girl, Lionora, daughter of the Venetian governor Taddeo Parisio.

To prevent a deadly duel, the girl’s father decided to give her hand to the winner of a chess match to be held in the main square, at the foot of the castle, with living chess pieces. In front of the townspeople and representatives from friendly cities, the very first live chess game of Marostica took place.

Vieri da Vallonara won the hand of the beautiful Lionora, while Rinaldo d’Angarano married Oldrada, the governor’s younger sister, and so the challenge ended in celebration.

Unfortunately, the document that attested to these events was destroyed in a fire in 1958, but the reenactment, first held in 1923, has become a tradition in Marostica since 1953.

The Marostica chess game takes place every two years in September and, among the folk events in Italy is one of those that draws the largest crowd, thanks not only to its historical significance but also to its spectacular visual impact.

The chessboard, measuring 8 by 8 meters and made of Asiago marble, takes up a large part of Piazza Castello. On three sides, stands have been set up for spectators, while on the fourth side, the castle serves as an extraordinary backdrop.

Many participants bring this unique moment to life, and of course, the main characters are there. Lionora draws the color for the first move, while the commander carries the chessboard. Finally, the governor officially starts the game, and the participants on the board mimic the players’ moves.

In the first edition of 1923, an actual game was played, but because it took too long, it was later decided to “reenact” famous chess games with pre-determined moves and timing. Today, the game lasts about an hour and a half and includes twenty-two moves.

Every edition of the Marostica chess game attracts a huge number of visitors, both locals and tourists, and it’s easy to see why: the spectacle is truly grand and impressive.

If you think chess is boring, this event will change your mind! About two hundred participants wear beautifully crafted costumes, and the whole game is enriched by musicians and jugglers.

With the enchanting evening lighting, the banners of friendly cities, and knights in armor, the atmosphere is truly unmatched. The chess game becomes much more than simple entertainment: under the stern gaze of the Lion of Venice, up on his marble column, emotions run high.

This is why this event has even traveled abroad more than once, across Europe, from Rome to Australia, till Brazil and Canada.

Marostica is, of course, more than just its chess game. In one of Italy’s most beautiful walled towns, there’s plenty to see.

The historic center is compact, and its heart is Piazza Castello, also known as Piazza degli Scacchi. Easily reached from Porta Vicenza, which opens the city walls, it’s a rectangular square with two of the town’s main monuments on its short sides: the 14th-century Lower Castle and the Palazzo del Doglione, a symbol of Scaligera rule.

From the square, you can also reach Corso Mazzini, the main street of the center, perfect for strolling among porticos, shops, and traditional restaurants. The Corso ends at Porta Bassano, from where you can easily reach the Pieve Santa Maria, built in the 8th century and the oldest church in the town.

Not far from the square is the church of Sant’Antonio Abate, which houses a beautiful 16th-century altarpiece and a small cloister.

From here, a short staircase leads to the 17th-century church of Madonna del Carmine and the Carmini path, which goes up to the Upper Castle of Marostica.

The path is about five hundred meters long and uphill. The effort is more than worth it, not only for the view of the beautiful castle but also for the panorama from its terraces. A walk along the castle’s walls is absolutely not to be missed. Visitors are provided with a light harness for a completely safe walk despite the steep slope and the 250 steps that lead back down.

In addition to the epic living chess game, this lively Veneto's village also has many other events to enjoy throughout the year.

The start of the year is magical, when Marostica is still imbued with the holiday spirit and lights up with the Christmas tree, the fireworks display at the Lower Castle, and the markets.

In spring, one of the area's highlights is celebrated with the Cherry Festival, held on the last Sunday in May in Piazza Castello. The festival is linked to the famous chess game because the Marostica cherry trees were planted for the wedding of Lionora and her sister.

On the second Sunday in June, Marostica also hosts the "Palio dea Caretera de Marostega," the event that unites the Marostica districts with the traditional race featuring floats made of local wood. This fun speed race starts from the Upper Castle and ends at the Lower Castle.

The Marostica Summer Festival is the major music festival that has been held in Piazza Castello in July for the past ten years, featuring big Italian artists and international guests. In 2026, the festival begins on Friday, June 26th and ends on Thursday, July 9th.

Marostica is fortunately well connected, so reaching it is not difficult.

By car: take the A4 Venice-Milan highway and exit at Vicenza West or East. From there, continue on the SP349 provincial road to Marostica. From Milan, the journey takes just over two hours on average. It’s an hour and a half from Verona, and about an hour from Venice.

By train: Marostica has its own station near the center, served by the Vicenza-Bassano del Grappa line. Coming from Venice, Verona, or Milan, you need to change trains in Vicenza. The journey takes about two hours.

By bus: Marostica is served daily by regional and local buses. The stop is next to the train station, and the easiest way to reach Marostica by bus is from Vicenza or Bassano del Grappa, which takes about an hour. There are no direct buses from Venice or Milan, so with a transfer in Vicenza or Bassano del Grappa, the journey lasts about three to four hours.

By plane: The two nearest airports are Venice Marco Polo, about 100 km away, or Treviso Antonio Canova, about 85 km away. From both airports, you can continue by rental car or public transport via Vicenza or Bassano del Grappa.

Marostica chess game is a biennial historical reenactment staged by hundreds actors and inspired by a love dispute between two noble suitors.

The event is held every two years in September

Four shows are scheduled for 2026, on September 4th and 5th and September 11th and 12th, at 9:00 PM.

Yes, tourists are more than welcome. The event is open to the public and can host around 3,600 people.

Prices vary from 40€ to 98€, depending on the sector.

You can buy tickets on the official Marostica chess game site.