International Chess Tournament "City of Venafro"
The international tournament in the city of Europe's oldest chess set
About Chess City of Venafro
Venafro, the city of Europe's oldest chess set
Venafro, in the province of Isernia, boasts a deep connection with the game of chess: the so-called "Venafro chess set", considered the oldest set in Europe and dating back to the 10th century, is preserved at the Santa Chiara museum. The International Chess Tournament "City of Venafro", a December event that attracts chess players from all over Italy and abroad, is founded on this heritage.
The tournament format
The tournament, organized by the "Leopoldo Pilla" Chess Club of Venafro with the patronage of the Municipality, is divided into two Open tournaments by rating: Open A (players with over 1,750 ELO points) and Open B (up to 1,750 ELO). It is played over 5 long-play rounds (90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment per move), with a total prize fund of around 2,000 euros. The venue is the hall of the Venafro Palace Hotel.
An international event
Recent editions have attracted around 130-140 players registered with FIDE/Italian Chess Federation, from numerous Italian regions (Molise, Lazio, Puglia, Basilicata, Campania, Umbria, Sicily, Sardinia, Abruzzo) and from several foreign countries (Serbia, Romania, Belarus, Malta), confirming Venafro as a chess capital of Central-Southern Italy.
Chess City of Venafro — edition 2026
After the second edition in 2025, which brought about 130-140 chess players from all over Italy and abroad to Venafro, the "Leopoldo Pilla" Chess Club has confirmed its intention to proceed with the third edition of the tournament, expected in the first weekend of December 2026. The format remains the established one: two Open tournaments divided by rating, 5 long-play rounds (90'+30''), prize fund, and the venue at the Venafro Palace Hotel.
Programme Chess City of Venafro 2026
The detailed schedule (exact dates and times of the rounds) for the third edition in 2026 will be published by the organizers in the weeks preceding the event. The usual structure includes: first round on Saturday afternoon, double rounds (morning/afternoon) on Sunday and Monday, two Open tournaments by rating category, and final prize-giving ceremony.
Highlights Chess City of Venafro 2026
Prices Chess City of Venafro 2026
Practical information — Chess City of Venafro
When
First weekend of December (three days).
Where
Hall of the Venafro Palace Hotel, Venafro (IS).
Participation
Two Open tournaments by rating category (A: ELO over 1,750; B: up to 1,750), registration through the "Leopoldo Pilla" Chess Club.
How to get there
Venafro is reachable by car via the SS85 and has a train station on the Vairano-Isernia line.
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Where does it take place — Chess City of Venafro
Salone del Venafro Palace Hotel
Venafro Palace Hotel, 86079 Venafro