Partita a Scacchi Marostica 2026: Living Chess Game in Veneto

Welcome to the Partita a Scacchi 2026 in Marostica

Every even year, the walled Piazza Castello in Marostica turns into a living chess stage. For 2026, four evening shows are planned on two consecutive weekends, on the 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th of September, each starting at 9:00 pm in the picturesque heart of this Venetian town.

Highlights and Attractions at the Partita a Scacchi in Marostica

• More than 600 performers in elaborate period costumes acting out the game on the large marble chessboard of the square
• The centuries old legend of Lionora, whose hand in marriage is decided by a game of chess
• Fireworks, knightly duels, dancers, musicians and flag throwers as part of the spectacle
• One of Italy's best known historical reenactments with more than a century of tradition
• The unique setting of Marostica's walled medieval old town as a natural backdrop
• Four performances across two consecutive weekends instead of the single weekend used in past editions
• Numbered grandstand seating for around 3,600 spectators each evening

Program and Schedule: What to Expect in 2026

Each performance begins at 9:00 pm and runs for roughly two hours. Organizers advise arriving at the entrance by 8:00 pm at the latest, since latecomers are only guided to their seat at a time set by staff. In case of bad weather, the start may be moved up to 8:00 pm or delayed until 10:30 pm; Sunday September 6 and Sunday September 13 are set aside as possible makeup dates.

Tickets and Admission for the Partita a Scacchi Marostica

Tickets for the September 2026 performances are sold through the official Marostica Scacchi presale platform, split into numbered grandstand categories around the Piazza Castello. At the time of research, the exact 2026 price tiers were not yet publicly listed on the ticket page, so visitors should check current prices directly through the official presale, since seating category and cost vary.

Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in Marostica

• Marostica lies in the province of Vicenza in Veneto and is reachable by train to Vicenza or Bassano del Grappa station, followed by a short bus ride
• Early September usually brings warm late summer weather, though a light layer for the evening is still a good idea
• Since the show only takes place every two years, accommodation in and around Marostica should be booked well in advance
• Umbrellas, including folding ones, are not allowed through security checks
• Keep your ticket until the end of the show, since the printed number corresponds to your assigned seat