The Living Chess of the Marchesato di Crevacuore
Two days of the Middle Ages in the upper Valsessera, featuring a grand chess match brought to life by costumed performers.
About Crevacuore Living Chess
A living chessboard in the heart of Piedmont
The Living Chess of the Marchesato di Crevacuore is one of the most evocative historical re-enactments in upper Piedmont. For one weekend, the historic center of Crevacuore, a town in the Province of Biella nestled in the upper Valsessera, dresses up in medieval style: streets and squares fill with artisan stalls, the scents of ancient cuisine, musicians, flag-wavers, and jesters, while historical groups from Piedmont, Lombardy, and the Aosta Valley parade in costume.
The grand chess match
The most anticipated moment is the living chess match, which gives the event its name. The town's main square is transformed into a giant chessboard where the game pieces come to life: every square is occupied by a costumed performer, and move by move, the famous challenge between the Marquis Ferrero Fieschi and the prisoner Amedeo—a rebel and symbol of the people—is reconstructed. The rolling of imperial drums and the evening lights make the scene even more intense, creating a spectacle that captivates both the performers and the audience.
More than just chess: two days of celebration
Surrounding the chessboard is a packed program designed for all ages:
- Historical pageants with the Marquis, the Marchioness, and their retinue, flag-wavers, musicians, and drummers;
- Semi-rapid chess tournament, now in its fifth edition;
- Artisan and food market along the village streets;
- The Canestrello Festival, dedicated to the typical local biscuit;
- A medieval dinner featuring spit-roasted ox (or bull);
- Roaming entertainment with street performers, jugglers, and jesters, plus areas for children;
- Theatrical performances and the grand medieval fire show that closes the festival.
A tradition brought back to life
The event is organized by the Gruppo Manifestazioni crevacuoresi in piazza, founded in 2009 with the goal of enlivening the town, which brought the Living Chess back to life after many years of hiatus. Today, the event is one of the most beloved appointments of the season in the upper Valsessera, attracting visitors from all over Piedmont and neighboring regions, helping to promote the history and traditions of this corner of the Province of Biella.
Crevacuore Living Chess — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Crevacuore medieval re-enactment takes place on the weekend of June 13 and 14, organized by the Gruppo Manifestazioni crevacuoresi in piazza in collaboration with local associations. Two days to relive the Middle Ages in the upper Valsessera, amidst costumed pageants, ancient flavors, and the spectacular living chess match.
Among the season's novelties are the spit-roasted bull (ox) at the medieval dinner and the traditional semi-rapid chess tournament, now in its fifth edition.
Programme Crevacuore Living Chess 2026
Saturday, June 13
- 14:30 — Registration and start of the 5th Semi-rapid Chess Tournament
- 15:00 — Opening of the artisan and food market
- 16:00 — Canestrello Festival with demonstrations and sales of the traditional biscuit and falconry displays
- Afternoon — Roaming entertainment and historical groups from Piedmont, Lombardy, and the Aosta Valley
- 17:00 — First grand historical pageant with the Marquis, the Marchioness, and their retinue, flag-wavers, and musicians; followed by the Marquis's aperitif in Piazza delle Scuole
- 19:00 — Medieval dinner in the village, with spit-roasted bull
- 20:30 — Second pageant and entertainment on the chessboard
- 21:30 — Grand finale in the main square with the Living Chess match: the Marquis Ferrero Fieschi challenges the prisoner Amedeo
Sunday, June 14
- 15:00 — Opening of stalls, face painting, Canestrello Festival, aperitifs, and shows
- 17:00 — First historical pageant
- 17:15 — Theatrical performance "Scacchi… Matti" by the "Gli Instabili" company of Postua
- Evening — Medieval dinner with roaming music
- 22:00 — Medieval fire show by the group Lux Arcana in Piazza Martiri
- 22:45 — "Living Chess" lottery drawing
The program may be subject to minor schedule changes; for updates, it is recommended to follow the channels of the Gruppo Manifestazioni crevacuoresi in piazza.
Highlights Crevacuore Living Chess 2026
Prices Crevacuore Living Chess 2026
Practical information — Crevacuore Living Chess
Where it takes place
The event animates the historic center of Crevacuore (ZIP 13864), in the Province of Biella, in the upper Valsessera. The various initiatives are held in the streets and squares of the village, including Piazza delle Scuole and Piazza Martiri.
How to get there
By car, Crevacuore can be reached from the A26 motorway (exits towards the Biella area and Valsessera) or the A4. By bus, the town is served by Atap lines connecting the area. It is recommended to arrive a little early to park and follow the signs for the designated areas.
Tips
Many activities (market, pageants, chess match, and shows) are free to enter; the medieval dinner usually requires a reservation. Bring comfortable shoes to walk around the village and a light jacket for the evenings.
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Where does it take place — Crevacuore Living Chess
Centro storico di Crevacuore