The living chess game originated from a supposed duel between two noblemen, Rinaldo d'Angarano and Vieri da Vallonara, over the hand of the daughter of the local lord.
The castle is linked to the upper fortification by a continuous curtain wall spanning approximately 600 meters along the slope of Pausolino Hill.
The biennial living chess event is held in the Piazza degli Scacchi, the square directly in front of the castle, which features a giant stone chessboard permanently inlaid in the pavement.
The castle was once surrounded by a moat that was later filled to accommodate the expansion of the town square.
The interior tower contains a small museum dedicated to the living chess tradition, displaying costumes and memorabilia from past performances.
Castello Inferiore di Marostica, also known as the Lower Castle, is a 14th-century Scaliger fortress located in the main square of Marostica. It is most famous as the stage for the biennial living chess game, a tradition reenacting a legendary 1454 match. The structure features a prominent crenelated defensive wall and a 44-meter-high bell tower. Defensive walls connect this lower castle to the Castello Superiore situated on the hill above. The courtyard hosts the Pro Loco office and permanent exhibitions related to the city's history and the chess legend. The fortress was built under the rule of Cangrande II della Scala to protect the territory from local rivals. Its architectural style remains consistent with the military defensive fortifications of the Veneto region during the late Middle Ages.
The center of the large stone chessboard in the Piazza looking up toward the main gate and the bell tower.
Visit the interior courtyard to view the local tourist information center for brochures on walking paths to the upper castle.
Ensure you have comfortable walking shoes if you plan to hike the path connecting the Lower and Upper castles.
Check the official website for biennial schedule dates to avoid visiting when the square is closed for event construction.
Do not attempt the walk to the upper castle during the hottest part of summer afternoons without adequate water.
The courtyard may be restricted or inaccessible during the preparation and execution of the biennial living chess game.
Maintain respectful behavior in the courtyard as it houses local administration offices; respect the historical markers.
