Marostica Chess Square

Marostica is a picturesque walled medieval town in the province of Vicenza, set at the foot of the pre-Alps and famous throughout Italy for its giant chessboard and the spectacular living chess game played upon it. Its central square, Piazza Castello, is paved with a permanent grid of red-and-white marble squares forming a full-sized chessboard, flanked by the crenellated Castello Inferiore (Lower Castle) and overlooked by the Castello Superiore (Upper Castle) high on the hill above, the two linked by medieval walls that still climb the slope. The town's signature event, the Partita a Scacchi, is staged on the square in the second weekend of September in even-numbered years: hundreds of costumed performers re-enact a legendary 1454 contest in which two suitors supposedly played chess for the hand of a nobleman's daughter, with human and mounted players moving as the chess pieces amid flag-throwers, music, and fireworks. Outside the event, visitors can admire the chessboard square at any time for free, explore the perfectly preserved town walls and gates, climb to the Upper Castle for panoramic views over the rooftops and surrounding cherry orchards, and visit the Lower Castle, which houses costumes from the chess game and a small museum. A visit takes around two hours, more if combined with the walk up to the Upper Castle. Marostica is also known for its prized cherries (the Marostica IGP variety), celebrated with a festival in late spring. The chessboard square is busiest during the September event, for which tickets sell out months ahead, and during the cherry festival; weekdays are otherwise quiet. Set among the hills of Italy's Veneto region near Bassano del Grappa, Marostica offers a compact and charming medieval excursion.