Marostica: The Enchanting Town of Chess and Cherries

 If you are looking for an interesting place to visit in Italy, you should consider Marostica, one of the most beautiful towns in the Veneto region. Marostica is known for its medieval atmosphere, its walls, and its unique tradition of a live chess game, which takes place every two years in Piazza degli Scacchi. Marostica is also home to excellent cherries with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), harvested in May and June, and used to prepare delicious dishes and drinks. In this article, we will introduce you to Marostica and its surroundings and show you why it is worth a visit.

Where Marostica is Located

Marostica is located in the province of Vicenza, about 30 km northwest of the capital city, Vicenza. The town lies at the foothills of the Alps, between the Brenta and Astico rivers. Marostica has about 14,000 inhabitants and consists of two parts: the lower town, where the historic center with Piazza degli Scacchi and Castello Inferiore (Lower Castle) is located, and the upper town, where Castello Superiore (Upper Castle) stands. Both parts are connected by walls that surround the entire town and offer beautiful views of the landscape.

History of Marostica

Marostica has a long and rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. Traces of settlement from the Bronze and Iron Ages have been found in the area. During Roman times, Marostica was part of the Via Postumia, an important road connecting Aquileia with Genoa. In the early Middle Ages, Marostica was under the rule of various feudal lords, such as the Ezzelini, the Scaligeri, and the Visconti. In 1404, Marostica became part of the Venetian Republic, which fortified it and developed its economy and culture. In 1797, Marostica was occupied by Napoleon and then annexed to Austria. In 1866, Marostica became part of unified Italy.

Top Tourist Attractions in Marostica

Marostica has many tourist attractions worth seeing. Among them are:

• Piazza degli Scacchi: This square is the heart of the town and the scene of the live chess game. The square is lined with elegant buildings from the 15th and 16th centuries, such as the Palazzo del Podestà, Palazzo degli Scacchi, and Palazzo del Comune. The square also features a fountain with a bronze sculpture depicting two knights fighting for the hand of a maiden.
• Castello Inferiore: This castle was built in the 14th century as a fortress against enemy attacks. It later became the residence of the podestà, the town's administrator during the Venetian Republic. The castle also hosted town councils and served as a prison. It is surrounded by a moat and has two drawbridges. Inside the castle are two arcaded courtyards and a tall clock tower. The castle is open to the public and offers interesting exhibitions on the history and culture of Marostica.
• Castello Superiore: This castle is located on top of Mount Pausolino and was built in the 13th century as a defensive fortress. In the 15th century, the castle was damaged during the war between Venice and Milan and was abandoned. In the 20th century, the castle was restored and is now accessible to visitors, who can explore its interior and enjoy stunning views of the town and the surrounding landscape.
• Cinta Muraria: This is a system of walls that connects both castles and surrounds the entire town. The walls were built in the 14th century during the rule of the Scaligeri and reinforced during the Venetian Republic. The walls are about 1.8 km long and are equipped with four gates and several towers. You can walk along the camminamento di ronda, the original path for guards, which offers beautiful views of the town and the nearby hills.
• Pieve di Santa Maria: This is the oldest church in Marostica, built in the 11th century on the site of an earlier church from the 8th century. The church has a Romanesque style with a three-nave layout and an apse. Inside the church, you can see frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries, a wooden altar from the 16th century, and organs from the 18th century.
• Museo dei Cappelli di Paglia: This museum is located in the Palazzo degli Scacchi on Piazza degli Scacchi. The museum is dedicated to the history and tradition of straw hat making in Marostica, which dates back to the 18th century. The museum showcases various types of hats, tools, and techniques used in their production, as well as photos and documents about this craft.

Notable Festivals and Celebrations

Marostica is known for its festivals and celebrations that attract many visitors from Italy and abroad. These include:

• Partita a Scacchi di Marostica a Personaggi Viventi: This is the live chess game held every even-numbered year in Piazza degli Scacchi. The game is inspired by a legend about two knights who fell in love with the same maiden, Lionora, the daughter of the local lord Taddeo Parisio. To avoid a bloody duel, Taddeo Parisio decided that Lionora would marry the winner of a chess game with live pieces. The loser would marry Lionora's younger sister, Oldrada. The game takes place on a large marble chessboard in the square and is accompanied by a historical parade, music, dancing, and fireworks. The game is held every even year in September and is a major attraction for tourists and locals.
• Sagra delle Ciliegie: This is a cherry festival held in May and June in Marostica and surrounding villages. The festival celebrates the harvest of PGI Marostica cherries, known for their high quality, taste, and color. During the festival, various cherry products such as jams, liqueurs, cakes, and ice cream are sold and tasted. The festival also offers cultural and sports events, such as concerts, exhibitions, competitions, and walks among the cherry trees.
• Marostica Summer Festival: This is a music festival held in July and August in Piazza degli Scacchi. The festival hosts renowned Italian and international artists from various genres, such as pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. The festival is also an opportunity to discover local cuisine and crafts.

Other Interesting Places Around Marostica

Marostica is an ideal starting point for exploring other interesting places in the Veneto region. Here are some of the most interesting tourist destinations:

• Bassano del Grappa: A picturesque town on the banks of the Brenta River, known for its historic Ponte degli Alpini bridge, its ceramics, and its grappa liqueur. Bassano del Grappa also offers many cultural and artistic attractions, such as museums, churches, and palaces.
• Asolo: A charming hilltop town known as the “city of a hundred horizons” for its stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Asolo was home to many famous personalities, such as poet Robert Browning, actress Eleonora Duse, and traveler Freya Stark. Asolo also has a rich historical and architectural heritage, such as a castle, a cathedral, and Villa Freya.
• Vicenza: The capital of the province of Vicenza and one of the most important centers of Renaissance architecture in Italy. Vicenza is famous for the works of architect Andrea Palladio, who designed many buildings here, such as the Basilica Palladiana, Teatro Olimpico, and Villa La Rotonda. Vicenza is also a city of gold and jewelry. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers many museums, galleries, and theaters.
• Padua: A university town with a rich history and culture. Padua is famous for its Basilica of Saint Anthony, where the remains of this popular saint are kept, and its Scrovegni Chapel, which has stunning frescoes by Giotto. Padua also has the oldest botanical garden in Europe and one of the largest squares in Italy, Prato della Valle.
• Venice: One of the most famous and romantic cities in the world, built on a lagoon and connected by hundreds of bridges and canals. Venice is full of artistic and architectural treasures, such as St. Mark’s Square with its basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile, the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs, the church of Santa Maria della Salute, and the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

Why Visit Marostica?

Marostica is the town of chess and cherries, offering visitors an unforgettable experience full of history, culture, and nature. Marostica is also an ideal starting point for exploring other beautiful places in the Veneto region, such as Bassano del Grappa, Asolo, Vicenza, Padua, and Venice. If you are looking for an interesting place to visit in Italy, don’t hesitate to visit Marostica. You will see that you will love it.