Piazza Degli Scacchi

The Piazza Degli Scacchi, also known as Piazza Castello or Chess Square, is the site of the renown Partita a Scacchi di Marostica. This game of living chess is held every alternating year in September, attracting an audience from far and wide. Dressed in Medieval attire, the townsfolk gather around the giant chess board at the center of the square to watch as the players engage one another in a game of chess where the pieces are actual people. Legend has it that this tradition originated in 1454 when the first game of this kind was held to determine who would win the honor of marrying the lovely Lionora. The square lies sprawled at the foot of the Castello Inferiore, and is the heart of the historic town. Antique markets, festivals and other events are often hosted at the square, apart from the world renown game of living chess.