Marostica is part of Vicenza province in Veneto region. Once in two years, every dual year, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the second week of September, the city holds a Live Human Chess game. The game takes place in the central square of the city and the chess pawns are live people and horses.

Based on the local tradition, two writers Renaldo d'Anganaro and Vieri da Vallanora fell in love with Leonora the beautiful daughter of the local governor Taddeo Parisio. According to the custom in those days, they had to challenge themselves, one against the other, in order to gain Leonora’s hand.

The governor, who did not want to express any opinion, order them to play chess one against the other. The winner will marry his daughter, Leonora, while the looser will marry her sister Orlanda. The game took place in the center square near the castle.

Fans carried white or/and black posters. The governor and his family together with all the city residents attend the contest. The governor decided that in addition to the contest, an exhibition with armed soldiers, infantry, knights, fireworks, music and dancing would held.

The event is preserved up to now days. In the end of the game, an impressive ceremony is held when “Leonora” is handed to the winner.

The event takes place every dual year.

Entrance fee needed.