Marostica
Marostica, in the province of Vicenza, is one of the best-preserved walled towns in Veneto and owes its international fame to the...
Updated 11 July 2026
The story
The story of Marostica
The Human Chess Match
Marostica's most famous event is the Human Chess Match, played out on the stone chessboard of the main square, in front of the Lower Castle. The Renaissance-costumed re-enactment, with hundreds of extras, horses and flag-throwers, draws on a 15th-century legend in which two noblemen supposedly settled their rivalry over a lady's hand with a game of chess rather than a duel. The event is held on the second weekend of September in even-numbered years, and for a few days turns the entire historic centre into a great open-air theatre, complete with markets, shows and crowds far exceeding the resident population.
The Lower Castle and Piazza degli Scacchi
The Lower Castle, or Castello da Basso, stands directly on the main square, now known as Piazza degli Scacchi for the giant chessboard laid into its paving. The medieval structure today houses halls used for exhibitions, civil weddings and town events, as well as the town hall itself. Its towers and walkways remain open to visitors and offer a good vantage point over the square below. It is the hub of Marostica's public life: the main streets of the historic centre radiate from here, lined with shops, bars and the storefronts of local cherry producers.
The Upper Castle and the Hillside Walls
From the Lower Castle a long crenellated wall climbs the hillside up to the Upper Castle, built in the 14th century by the Scaligeri as a defensive stronghold. The walk along the walls, partly accessible on foot, offers wide views over the historic centre, the Vicenza plain and, on clear days, the surrounding foothills. The Upper Castle, now home to a restaurant set within its historic rooms, appeals to those seeking a higher vantage point and a quieter atmosphere than the bustle of the main square, especially in the evening.
The IGP Cherry of Marostica
The hills surrounding Marostica have for centuries been suited to cherry growing, recognised with the IGP Ciliegia di Marostica label. Harvesting takes place between May and June, and the spring blossom of the cherry trees paints a distinctive landscape across the whole foothill area. Every year the town celebrates the fruit with the Cherry Festival, featuring stalls, tastings and events dedicated to local producers. It is a less famous side of Marostica than the Chess Match, but just as deeply rooted in the area's economic and cultural identity, with several local varieties still grown today by small family farms.
A Compact, Well-Preserved Historic Centre
Beyond its major events, Marostica remains a compact town easily explored on foot in a single day. Its streets, almost entirely closed to traffic, preserve arcades, historic palazzi and small craft shops, and the atmosphere stays genuine even outside the biennial Chess Match periods. It is a less crowded setting than some of Veneto's better-known destinations, but with solid landscape and architectural quality, suited to those seeking a genuine historic town without the mass crowds found in the region's other art cities.
Experiences Not to Miss
- Assistere alla Partita a Scacchi a personaggi viventi (anni pari, settembre)
- Watch the Human Chess Match (even years, September)
To see
What to see in Marostica
Routes · Trovido Route
Routes in Marostica
Jobs · JobFlow
