Partita a Scacchi a Personaggi Viventi di Marostica
The legend of Lionora comes alive again on the giant chessboard of Piazza Castello
About Partita a Scacchi di Marostica
The most famous chess game in Italy
The Living Chess Game is the symbol of Marostica, a small walled gem in the province of Vicenza, in the heart of the Veneto foothills. Every two years, in even-numbered years, the large white and pink marble chessboard that paves Piazza Castello comes to life: pawns, bishops, knights, rooks, kings, and queens are not wooden pieces but men, women, and children in sumptuous Renaissance attire, who move on the 64 squares under the command of the two players.
The legend of Lionora
The show stages a legend set in 1454, during the time of the Republic of Venice. Two young nobles, Rinaldo d'Angarano and Vieri da Vallonara, fall in love with the beautiful Lionora, daughter of the castellan Taddeo Parisio. To avoid a mortal duel, the castellan decrees that the two rivals will challenge each other in a living chess game: the winner will win Lionora's hand, the loser that of her younger sister Oldrada. The original libretto, written by Mirko Vucetich, was first performed in 1954.
An imposing scenic machine
The reenactment involves over 650 figures including ladies, knights, guards, flag bearers, musicians, commoners, and archers, accompanied by horses and the actual chess game. The stands set up in the square can accommodate about 3,600 spectators per evening. The event is recognized by the Ministry of Tourism as one of the national events registered in the Heritage of Italy for Tradition.
A biennial event
The Chess Game is held every two years, only in even-numbered years, and attracts tens of thousands of visitors from all over Italy and abroad each edition. Organized by the Associazione Pro Marostica, it is the main cultural attraction of the Municipality and the entire province of Vicenza.
Partita a Scacchi di Marostica — edition 2026
2026 is a landmark edition for the Living Chess Game. For the first time in its history, the reenactment abandons the traditional single weekend and is spread over two consecutive weekends, doubling the opportunities to witness the spectacle. Over 650 costumed figures animate the Piazza Castello chessboard in front of stands seating 3,600 people per evening. The major artistic innovation is the new original soundtrack composed by maestro Valeriano Chiaravalle. By May 2026, 70% of the tickets were already sold, confirming the extraordinary appeal of the event organized by Pro Marostica.
Programme Partita a Scacchi di Marostica 2026
Friday, September 4, 2026
- 9:00 PM — Performance of the Living Chess Game in Piazza Castello: historical procession, flag bearers, ladies and knights, game on the giant chessboard with the legend of Lionora.
Saturday, September 5, 2026
- 9:00 PM — Repeat performance in Piazza Castello.
Friday, September 11, 2026
- 9:00 PM — Repeat performance in Piazza Castello.
Saturday, September 12, 2026
- 9:00 PM — Final performance of the 2026 edition in Piazza Castello.
Performance accompanied by the new original soundtrack by maestro Valeriano Chiaravalle. Numbered tickets on presale at ticket.marosticascacchi.it.
Highlights Partita a Scacchi di Marostica 2026
Prices Partita a Scacchi di Marostica 2026
Practical information — Partita a Scacchi di Marostica
How to get there
Marostica can be reached by car from the A31 Valdastico motorway (exit Dueville or Thiene-Schio), continuing towards Bassano del Grappa. By train, the nearest station is Bassano del Grappa (about 8 km away), connected by bus. The show takes place entirely in Piazza Castello, in the pedestrian historic center.
Tickets
Numbered seats in the stands, on presale on the official portal ticket.marosticascacchi.it. Demand is very high: for the 2026 edition, 70% of tickets were already sold by May. Booking well in advance is recommended.
Tips
Evening outdoor performance: bring appropriate clothing. In case of bad weather, check the official website for updates.
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Where does it take place — Partita a Scacchi di Marostica
Piazza degli Scacchi (Piazza Castello)
Piazza Castello, 36063 Marostica