Marostica is famous for its castles, live chess game, and absolutely huge and juicy cherries. This medieval walled city is picturesque and can easily be a day trip throughout the year to see all this little gem has to offer.
Best time to visit
MAY/JUNE: References to cherry farming in Marostica date back to the 15th century. For several weeks in the spring, you can sample and walk away with crates full of the juiciest, most delicious cherries you will taste in your life at ‘La Festa della ciliegia’. After you fill your belly with cherries, go hike Cherry Tree Trail to soak in the beautiful views with cherry trees as your backdrop.
SUMMER: Strap on a harness and walk the castle walls completed in year 1375.
SEPTEMBER: The famous live Chess match is held every other year on EVEN years. Tickets sell out 6months to a year in advance! Grab yours here.
What to do in town
Explore Castle Inferiore – see the chess match costumes, beautiful artwork & even walk on the parapet that gives you amazing overhead views of the chessboard in the main square and of the castle walls leading to castle superior.
Explore Castle Superiore – harness up and walk the wall to the upper castle, or drive up to explore and get amazing views of the town below. Hours are limited so check before you drive there.
Grab a bite to eat at Osteria Madonetta -A Michelin 2021 restaurant with the most amazing meatballs you HAVE to try. Seating both inside & outside and they accept cash/card.
Visit one of the many churches located throughout town – Chapel of the Santissimo Sacramento, Church of Madonna del Ciclista, Church of Madonna della Grazie, Church of Saint Antonio Abate, Church of Saint Marco, Church of Saint Maria Assunta, …..and there’s about 5 more….so if you see a church, peek inside, light a candle & give a small donation.
Wander & get lost in gorgeous side streets, cobble stone walkways and flowered patios. Getting ‘lost’ while in a new town is my absolute favorite thing to do. Sometimes stumbling upon something new, or not labeled a ‘tourist destination’ is the best part of exploring.
How to get there
Marostica is located 29 km from Vicenza. Best reached by car or bus. Follow this PIN to get paid hourly parking (approx 1euro an hour) right outside of the main square.
If you explore Marostica & find something I should add, let me know! In the meantime, I shared some videos of Marostica on my Instagram to get you even more excited to visit!
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