orders are still given out in the "Serenissima Republic of Venice" dialect. The Legend The two noblemen, Rinaldo D'Angarano and Vieri da Vallanora, fell in love with Lionora, the daughter of the local lord, Taddeo Parisio. As was the custom at that time, they challenged each other to a duel to win her hand. The Lord of Marostica, not wanting to make an enemy of either suitor nor lose them in a duel, forbade the encounter. *He decreed instead 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, by marrying her younger sister, Oldrada. The chess match took place on September 12 in the year 1454. The reenactment of the legendary chess match takes 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 Leoncavallo, the court and the entire town population. The Lord also decides the challenge would be honoured by an exhibition of armed men, foot-soldiers and knights, with fireworks and dances and music, which makes the approximately 20 minute chess game the anchor of a festival of epic proportions. Marostica is also home to the Diesel Farm, a wine, grappa, and olive oil-producing establishment, founded by Diesel founder Renzo Rosso. Nonetheless, Marostica is also very famous for the production of cherries, used in the preparation of a typical cake, served in all cafes and restaurants in the area. International relations Twin towns – Sister cities Marostica is twinned with: São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil Tendō, Japan Mignano Monte Lungo, Italy Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France Notable people Prospero Alpini, physician and botanist, born 1553 Giovanni Battaglin, cyclist, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España winner Giancarlo Bonato (1930-2016) craftsman, artist and entrepreneur Tatiana Guderzo, cyclist, Italian and World Champion Enrico Battaglin, cyclist Gallery References External links | Official touristic website Cities and towns in Veneto