Marostica
Marostica, the City of Chess and Cherries
Hello friends! Today I'm taking you to discover Marostica, an Italian municipality of 14,088 inhabitants in the province of Vicenza in Veneto. Marostica is famous worldwide for its unique game of chess held every two years in its central square with living characters. The tradition, dating back to 1923, is said to be inspired by an event from 1454, although there is no historical evidence, and that's why Marostica is called "the city of chess".
Physical Geography and Climate
Marostica is located in a flat and hilly area at the foot of the Asiago Plateau, crossed by the Longhella stream that originates in the San Luca hamlet. The climate of the city enjoys a typical temperate climate of medium latitudes, rainy or generally humid in all seasons and with very hot summers. Precipitation concentrates in periods between March and May, with a slight decrease in the summer months, and a resurgence between late October and November.
Origins of the Name
The toponym Marostica has ancient origins, and the explanations of the past, even if imaginative, are not without foundation. Some trace it back to Marii ostium or Marius stetit, believing that here Caio Mario had set up camp during the Roman Civil War against Lucio Cornelio Silla. For others, it is a compound formed by mar, in the Gallic language "above," and Asticum, referring to the Astico stream that flows nearby. According to others, it is tied to the Venetian term maro, "bundle," indicating the shape of the hills that characterize the territory, or it is a phytotomy to be approached with Castanea sativa.
The well-known toponymist Dante Olivieri has tried to present more plausible hypotheses, recognizing, however, certain difficulties. If it were of pre-Roman or Roman origin, it could derive from a hypothetical personal name Marosto or Maroste, with the addition of the belonging suffix -ica. Instead, placing it in a later era, it could be a compound of lama "swamp" and rostica, derived from the adjective rosto "roasted, burnt": it would mean, therefore, "swamp plowed through stubble."
The Marostica Cherry
Marostica is also famous for the production of the Marostica Cherry, a protected geographical indication product recognized by the European Union. The Marostica cherry has a characteristic heart shape and a sweet, fruity taste. The origin of this cherry variety dates back to the time of the Serenissima Republic of Venice when the city was famous for the production of oil and wine. Local farmers then decided to cultivate cherries to diversify agricultural production and exploit the hilly terrain.
Things to See in Marostica
Marostica is a city rich in history and culture. You can visit the upper and lower castles, built for defensive purposes in the 13th century and later transformed into a lordly residence. The Civic Tower, the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, and the Sanctuary of Madonna di Loreto are other places of interest worth visiting.
Moreover, if you visit Marostica in September, you cannot miss the famous game of chess with living characters in the city square. The event attracts tourists from all over the world and makes the city even more special.
Conclusions
Visiting Marostica is undoubtedly a winning choice. Not only can you witness one of the most famous and suggestive traditions in our country, the game of chess with living characters, but you can also discover the natural and historical beauties of the territory. Furthermore, if you are passionate about cherries, you can taste the Marostica Cherry, a precious local product recognized at the European level. What are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Marostica and let yourself be conquered by the beauty of this unique place in the world!
