Marostica is a medieval town of almost 14,000 inhabitants in the province of Vicenza, located just 100 km from Venice in the Veneto region.
Marostica is famous because since September 12, 1454, a human chess game with people dressed in period costumes has been performed on a biannual basis. If you are planning Venice Tours, don’t forget to make a stop at Marostica, the famous city of living chess.
History of Chess Human Game
The history of this particular chess game dates back to the time when Marostica belonged to the Republic of Venice. It is narrated that in 1454 two Venetian nobles, Rinaldo D’Angarno and Vieri da Vallonara, fell in love with the beautiful daughter of the lord of the Castle of Marostica, Lionora. As was customary at the time, the two suitors challenged each other in a duel to the death to win Lionora’s hand. Lionora’s father, Taddeo Parisio, was the one who decided to forbid that duel and instead they would have to face each other in a game of chess but with human pieces. The winner would marry Lionora and the loser his youngest daughter, Oldrada.
An event that takes place every two years in September
Today this event is celebrated according to the legend of Lionora, which is why people dress in costumes from the Middle Ages. This is such a particular event, that tourists from all over the world come to see it.
This event takes place every two years on the second weekend of September. The city dresses up and the square becomes a large chessboard at the foot of the Castle.
On both sides of the square, stands are installed for the spectators and next to the board are the two players seated face to face. The event begins with the appearance of a rider on horseback, who in front of the castle throws a glove to the ground that symbolizes the challenge. Immediately the castle doors are opened with the modern characters of Taddeo and Lionora. The two players represent the two knights and carry out on a normal board the movements that will be reproduced by the human pieces.
Curiosities about the Chess Human game
One of the requirements is that the game has a maximum duration of 20 minutes and that it can be concluded with a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 20 movements in total.
Marostica’s human chess has been carried out in other parts of the world such as the United States, Canada, Belgium, Germany and Brazil. Some of them even reproduced the facade of the Lower Castle of Marostica with real details and dimensions.
The legend does not narrate the end of the battle, until today it is not known who won and who lost, however, at the end of the actual game the winner takes the hand of Lionora and the loser of Oldrada (actors).
How long it takes to visit Marostica?
The city of Marostica can be visited even in one day, it is a highly recommended option if you are in Venice. You can book one of our Venice tours with an extra stop in Marostica. Do not miss this incredible unique experience and contact our staff for more information.
