Official Information
Official website: https://www.marosticascacchi.it
Official tickets: On site only (no official online sales)
Address: Piazza Castello 1 (Castello Inferiore), 36063 Marostica VI, Italy
View on Google Maps: Castello di Marostica
Opening Hours
The Castello Inferiore is generally open year-round with daytime hours, for example approximately 9:00–13:00 and 14:30–18:30. The panoramic “Cammino di Ronda” along the town walls is usually open to visitors on Sundays and holidays from March to November, during set hours. Exact opening times and any closures due to weather or maintenance are published by the Marostica tourism office and municipality. Always check the official website or local information sites before planning your visit.
Marostica is celebrated worldwide for its living chess game, where real people in historic costume play out the moves on the giant chessboard in Piazza degli Scacchi. The town’s twin fortresses and sweeping walls are at the heart of its story. The Castello Inferiore anchors the main square and serves as the entry point to parts of the medieval and Renaissance fortifications. Inside, you will find exhibits and rooms that tell the story of Marostica’s strategic role through the centuries, with preserved towers, Gothic windows, and traces of later architectural changes. During chess game years, the square becomes a theatrical stage for costumed pageantry and fireworks, but even outside events the castle’s terraces and balconies offer unique views over the legendary chessboard and old town. The Cammino di Ronda is a highlight for those wishing to experience the defensive walls. This elevated patrol path, reached by climbing a substantial staircase from the lower castle towards the upper fort, gives panoramic vistas over Marostica, its cherry orchards, and the surrounding countryside. Safety harnesses are sometimes required and provided by staff. Informational panels along the walk explain the military architecture and evolution of the city walls. Tickets for both castle and walls are only available at the entrance, and access may be limited by weather or operational maintenance. It is recommended to double-check schedules with the local tourism office before your trip. Alongside the castle experience, Marostica’s porticoed streets, local cafés, and seasonal cherry specialties make it a memorable stop in the Venetian foothills.