There are interactive games for children and various performances every year.

Štiavnica Live Chess

This live game of chess in the centre of the town has the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

A procession of chess figures through the town centre. – © Marian Garai

A part of the festival is the traditional handicraft market on the Holy Trinity Square. – © Marian Garai

You'll have the opportunity to see exciting theatre and historical fencing performances. – © Marian Garai

A view of the centre of the town with the Old Castle and Holy Trinity Square. – © Palino Spisiak / Shutterstock

A procession of chess figures through the town centre. – © Marian Garai

Do you enjoy chess? Well, you’ve probably never played a game quite like this before.

On the second Saturday in July each year, fans of chess flock to the town for the Štiavnica Live Chess event. The Holy Trinity Square comes alive as people play chess with masters on boards placed directly on the square. There’s also a traditional handcraft market, groups of historical fencing performances, and theatre performances inspired by Štiavnica legends.

There’s a Middle Ages atmosphere as children shoot from longbows, people learn fencing with wooden swords, and falconers show off their birds of prey.

But the highlight is the two chess players who have game with live chessmen dressed in medieval costumes. The way to the winning position is always full of combat, tension and excitement because every move is a show of two live figures—fencers.

The evening live chess game at Štiavnica Live Chess Festival. – © Marian Garai

The night game is an unforgettable experience for all viewers—for those who know nothing about chess or those who are regular players.

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