Marostica
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Marostica (Venetian language: Maròstega), is a town and comune in the province of Vicenza, Veneto, northern Italy. It is mostly famous for its living chess event and for the local cherry variety.
| Comune di Marostica | |
|---|---|
 |
|
 Municipal coat of arms |
|
  |
|
| Country |  Italy |
| Region | Veneto |
| Province | Vicenza (VI) |
| Mayor | Alcide Bertazzo |
| Elevation | 103 m (338 ft) |
| Area | 36 km² (14 sq mi) |
| Population (as of December 31, 2004) | |
| - Total | 13,279 |
| - Density | 369/km² (956/sq mi) |
| Time zone | CET, UTC+1 |
| Coordinates | |
| Gentilic | Marosticensi |
| Dialing code | 0424 |
| Postal code | 36063 |
| Frazioni | Crosara, Marsan, Pradipaldo, San Luca, Valle San Floriano, Vallonara |
| Patron | St. Simeon |
| Website: www.comune.marostica.vi.it | |
Contents |
[edit] History
 |
Please help improve this section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion. |
Marostica's history is connected to the rise and fall of the Ezzelino family in the Middle Ages.
[edit] Main sights
[edit] Culture
Every even year, in September, a game of chess using live pieces is played. After first world war some people of the local chess club begun to play chess in the main square and decided to make a chess game using human beeings as pieces. After second world war the comedy writer Vucetich Mirko wrote down a play in which : "Two noblemen, Renaldo D'Anganaro and Vieri da Vallanora, fell in love with the beautiful Lionora, daughter of the local lord, Taddeo Parisio. As was the custom at that time, they challenged each other to a duel to win the hand of Lionora. The Lord of Marostica, not wanting to make an enemy of either suitor or lose them in a duel, forbade the encounter. Instead he decreed that the two rivals would play a chess game, and the winner would have the hand of Lionora. The loser of the chess game would also join the family, through marrying her younger sister, Oldrada. The game took place on the square in front of the Lower Castle with supporters carrying the noble ensigns of Whites and Blacks, in the presence of the Lord, his noble daughter, the Lords of Angarano and Vallonara, the court and the entire town population. The Lord also decided the challenge would be honoured by an exhibition of armed men, foot-soldiers and knights, with fireworks and dances and music". Useless to say and point out that this account has nothing to do with history and the chess square in the city was built after second world war after Vucetich play. This fiction story is now reenacted on the square of Marostica every second Friday, Saturday and Sunday of September of "even" years. The orders are still given to the cast today in the local Language (Venetian) of the "Most Serene Republic of Venice".
[edit] Twin towns
São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
Tendō, Japan- Mignano Monte Lungo, Italy
Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
 |
This article on a location in Veneto is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
