The great Chess Game in Marostica, known as La Partita a Scacchi di Marostica in Italian, is one of the most unusual historical reenactments in Italy. It revives the story Lionora, the smart and beautiful daughter of the local Lord, and her two suitors, noblemen Rinaldo d'Angarano and Vieri da Vallonara, who challenge each other to the game of chess.
The story dates back to the 15th century, the times when the city was under the rule of the Venetian Republic. Young Lionora was the daughter of Marostica ruler, Taddeo Parisio. When the two warriors Rinaldo d'Angarano and Vieri da Vallonara were about to fight a duel to decide who gets to marry her, she proposed young men to demonstrate their skills in a chess game instead.
That's how the first Chess Game in Marostica took place in the majestic Piazza del Castello. It was played on a large scale with real people dressed in black and white. The end of the game was celebrated with a large party and a feast. Stage designer Mirko Vucetich directed the reenactment with the participation of over 600 people wearing costumes. Since then, the game of Marostica takes place every two years on the second weekend of September on the scenic Piazza di Marostica. Visitors can enjoy 15th-century costumes and banners, knights parades, jugglers, fire-eaters, and the game itself. The Marostica live chess game has quickly become an international phenomenon. It has been shown at Expo 1958 in Brussels, as well as in Los Angeles, Sao Paulo, Chicago, and Melbourne.
