Marostica’s living chess game is worth venturing off the beaten track for

Surrounded by the ancient walls of its castle, the town lies in the northern region of Veneto just off the typical tourist path.

The main square, Piazza Castello - also known as the Piazza degli Scacchi - is paved with a 20 square metre pink and white marble chess board.

It’s on this “board” that the internationally renowned “Partita a Scacchi con Personaggi Viventi” unfolds against the stunning backdrop of the antiquated castle.

During the four chess games that take place over the weekend, the whole town breathes life into a lasting 15^th century legend.

According to mythology, in 1454 two noblemen by the names of Rinaldo D’Angarano and Vieri da Vallonara both fell in love with Lord Taddeo Parisio’s eldest daughter, Lionora.

As the two eligible suitors prepared to battle it out for Lionora’s hand in a traditional sword duel, the Lord of the Castle declared that a more civil combat would take place, in the form of a chess game.

The victor would win the heart of Lionora, while the loser would still marry into the family, becoming betrothed to her younger sister, Oldrada.

Mirroring the town’s medieval folklore, the entirety of Marostica’s tiny population gathers to participate in an age-old tradition, from bambini to nonni.

Over 500 residents dressed in 15^th century costumes play a role in the weekend of festivity, including the music, dancing, parades, flag shows and firework displays that ignite the town.

The two-hour main event features living chess pieces dressed in black and white period attire, while small horses represent the knights.

The two men playing Lionora’s suitors order the chess pieces to move in the traditional dialect of the Republic of Venezia.

The winner of the modern game is presented with the woman playing Lionora, while the loser is given the hand of the character of Oldrada.

This historical event is a must-see for anybody travelling to the north in September (on an even year, of course), and draws hundreds of curious tourists on every occasion due to its peculiar charm.

Marostica’s centuries-old living chess game remains one of Italy’s most unique traditions, turning the humble town tucked away in the hills into a renowned tourist hotspot every second year.