History of The Human Chess of Marostica
- A Duel of Wits: Unlike traditional medieval disputes settled by blood, the Lord of Marostica ordered a chess match to prevent the loss of two brave warriors.
- Massive Scale Reenactment: The festival involves 600 performers, including fire-breathers and flag-wavers, transforming the city into a living 15th-century court.
- UNESCO Heritage Potential: The event is one of Italy’s most prestigious historical reenactments, drawing international crowds to the Veneto region.
The Human Chess of Marostica is a famous festival held in Marostica, in the northern province of Veneto, Italy.
Marostica is known for the costumed human chess game that takes place in the town square, every two years on the second weekend of September. The tradition started in 1923, inspired by an event of 1454.
About 600 figures dressed in medieval costumes, horses, armed knights, fire-breathers, jogglers, and flag-wavers, ladies and gentlemen, provide the setting for this game of chess representing the challenge between Rinaldo d’Angarano and Vieri da Vallonara.
The game commemorates a legendary chess game played in 1454 by two young knights in order to settle which of them would court the lady that both had fallen in love with.
According to the local legend, two brave warriors, Rinaldo D’Angarano and Vieri da Vallonara, fell in love with the beautiful Lionora, daughter of Castellano Taddeo Parisio, and challenged each other to a duel for her hand, as was the custom of those times. Taddeo Parisio, the Lord of Marostica, who did not want to lose either of the two talented young people, forbade the encounter and decreed instead that the two rivals would play a chess game and the winner would have the hand of Lionora. The loser, on the other hand, would have married her younger sister, Oldrada.
The reenactment of the legendary chess match takes place on the square in front of the Lower Castle, with living pieces, armed and marked with black and white insignia, according to the tradition, in the presence of the Lord, of his daughter, the Lords of Angarano and Vallonara, the nobles of the neighboring cities and the entire town.
The new edition of the “Chess Game” exceptionally scheduled in an odd year due to the postponement due to the pandemic, will be held on 10, 11 and 12 September 2021.
The event is promoted by Associazione Pro Marostica in collaboration with the City of Marostica, with the patronage of the Veneto Region and the Province of Vicenza.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Human Chess Game of Marostica
When does the Human Chess game in Marostica take place?
The event is held every two years on the second weekend of September in the town square of Marostica, Italy. It commemorates a legendary match from 1454 and features over 600 costumed participants.
What is the story behind the Marostica Human Chess game?
In 1454, two knights, Rinaldo d’Angarano and Vieri da Vallonara, settled a romantic rivalry through chess rather than a bloody duel. The winner won the hand of Lionora, while the loser married her sister, Oldrada.
Is the Marostica Chess Game played with real people?
Yes, the reenactment features “living pieces” including armed knights, horses, and figures in medieval costumes. The game is played on a giant paved chessboard in the square in front of the Lower Castle.
Is the game scripted?
While the event is a reenactment, it follows the moves of historical chess games to ensure a dramatic and authentic performance.
Where is Marostica located?
Marostica is a walled town in the Province of Vicenza, Northern Italy, famous for its medieval architecture.
Source: Associazione Pro Marostica, Visit Marostica
Images courtesy of SERGIO SARTORI and STUDIO BOZZETTO
Matteo Damiani is an Italian sinologist, photographer, author and motion designer. Matteo lived and worked for ten years in China. Founder of CinaOggi.it, China-underground.com, Weirditaly.com and RetroFuturista.com.