The mansion where the legendary Marostica Human Chess Game was born, second home to the protagonists of the ’60s Venetian Dolce Vita – from Fred Buscaglione to the Kessler twins – has just been transformed into luxury suite-apartments by Jacopo Jay Cartoccio, a creative entrepreneur & art director.

The building, which overlooks the beautiful Piazza degli Scacchi, has always belonged to his family: built in Art Nouveau style by his great-grandfather Pino at the end of 19th-century, it has become the home of his son Franco, one of the first visionary entrepreneurs of this corner of Italy, very popular for its charismatic character that will soon bring him close to the show business industry. It is right here, in his kitchen (today the Aida Room), that in 1954, during an evening spent with his friend Mario Mirko Vucetich, Franco came up with the idea of turning “human” a chess game.

With the support of the Council and the historical echo of an ancient legend, the same year took place in Marostica the first Human Chess Game. Today, it has become one of the most famous shows in the world, with over 550 figurants, and it is held every two years (so this year do not miss it on September 11-13).

The brand identity of Campana Suites, as well as many details of the furnishings, is a tribute to the famous chess game and, above all, to Franco Campana. A bond, that of Jay with his grandfather and his family, that “called” him to give a new life to the building (that had been closed for over 20 years), highlighting, thanks to extensive restoration works, all the original features of the house: the iron gate, the stairs, the wooden floors, even many furniture and objects, such as the vintage Maltarello piano at the entrance.

With a mix & match attitude, playing with ancient and modern, sacred and profane, Jay’s eclectic, international style emerges clearly since from the entrance of the building where, climbing the stairs, you are faced with a high-tech armored door that makes really smart to enter and exit the house. Once inside, the interiors are a mix of original decorations from the end of the 19th century, oriental antique furniture, and unique pieces from the ’30s and the ’80s, the years that most inspire Jay’s creative works.

If his stylistic research included visiting flea markets and online contemporary art auctions, his signature definitely lays in the details. From the doors’ handles commissioned to a London craftsman to the gold-plated doors and handrails, or the home fragrance personalized for each room, everything has been studied with great care and aesthetic sense.

The Secret

There are 4 suites to choose from, each of them differently furnished: Aida, Franco’s wife, on the ground floor; Fred (Buscaglione), with a sexy bathtub in the middle of the room, Ellen (one of the Kessler twins) on the first floor, Shark View a spacious suite apartment with private terrace on the top floor, and the brand new panoramic suite named Quinta. Almost all the rooms boast a suggestive view on the ancient walls that surround Marostica and are equipped with modern comforts: wi-fi, plasma TV, orthopedic mattresses and pillows, mini bar.

Useful Info

Campana Suites
Via della Stazione 32
36063 Marostica, Vicenza
Tel. +39 392 6994859

Rooms: from 80 euro
The welcome box includes a light breakfast: coffee, tea, artisanal croissants