Marostica: The city of chess
Marostica, located in the province of Vicenza, is known for its living chess game, held every two years, and for its chess museum, the first in Italy. The city is also famous for the production of the Marostica cherry, a product with a protected geographical indication.
History and identity
The chess game with living characters is a tradition started in 1923 and performed every two years, on even years, during the second weekend of September. The narrative links it to an episode from 1454, but the source specifies that there is no historical evidence of that event. Marostica also received the Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club.
What to see
The square of the living match and the Giovanni Longo International Chess Museum tell the story of the identity of the "city of chess". The Marostica cherry, a product with a protected geographical indication, links the village to the agricultural territory. The Longhella stream crosses a flat and hilly area at the foot of the Asiago plateau.
Understand the place
The Living Match only takes place in even years and on specific dates: check calendar, tickets and access before you travel. Also check the museum opening hours and the conditions of the hilly routes, especially in the rainier seasons.
Where to stay
A hotel in the center facilitates access to the square and the chess museum. If your visit coincides with the biennial event, check dates, access and availability in advance; to explore hills and hamlets compare parking and distances instead.
Prepare the visit
Times, access conditions and transportation may change. Before the trip, check the official pages linked from the source, protect the heritage and leave the entrances to the homes free. Source in local language.