Valencia Celebrates 550 Years as Cradle of Modern Chess, Designates Official Chess Day

Valencia, Spain – A city steeped in history, Valencia is making headlines not just for its stunning architecture and vibrant culture, but for its profound, albeit sometimes overlooked, contribution to the world of chess. This year marks a monumental occasion: the 550th anniversary of what is widely considered the birth of modern chess (1475-2025), a game-altering evolution that happened right here in this Spanish city. To permanently commemorate this legacy and promote the game, the Valencian Parliament has officially decreed May 15th as the annual Chess Day for the Autonomous Community of Valencia.

A Day for Chess: May 15th Declared Official Chess Day

The decision to institute an official Chess Day reflects a significant moment of recognition for Valencia`s historical importance in the game`s development. The initiative, discussed and unanimously supported by all political factions within the City Parliament – a rare moment of universal agreement on a topic outside perhaps paella ingredients – highlights the deep roots of modern chess in the region and the recognized benefits of playing the game.

The date, May 15th, is not arbitrary. It commemorates the printing date of Francesch Vicent`s book in Valencia in 1495. This work is celebrated as the world`s first book specifically addressing the rules of what was then the “new chess,” introducing mechanics that transformed the slow-paced medieval game into the dynamic intellectual battle we know today. This formal recognition through a dedicated day ensures that Valencia`s heritage remains prominent and encourages the growth of chess across the region.

The Queen`s Revolution: Valencia`s Game-Changing Contribution

The fundamental shift that defines modern chess is the dramatic empowerment of the Queen piece. In earlier forms of the game, the Queen was a rather modest piece, capable of moving only one square diagonally. Contrast that with today`s Queen, a formidable force capable of moving any number of squares in any direction – a true powerhouse. This `power-up` of the Queen, along with enhanced Bishop movement, originated in Valencia around 1475.

This pivotal moment is documented in the poem Scachs d’amor (Chess of Love), a collaborative work by Valencian poets Bernat Fenollar, Narcís Vinyoles, and Francí de Castellví. This poem uniquely described chess played with these revolutionary new rules, setting the stage for the game`s rapid spread across Europe in its modern form. The subsequent printing of Francesch Vicent`s instructional book solidified these rules and disseminated them further, cementing Valencia`s legacy as the `Cradle of Modern Chess`.

A Legend Visits the Cradle: Viswanathan Anand in Valencia

Adding immense prestige to the 550th-anniversary celebrations was the visit of five-time World Chess Champion and current FIDE Deputy President, Viswanathan Anand. A figure revered globally and named Sportsman of the Millennium in his native India, Anand`s presence was eagerly anticipated and significantly amplified the public recognition of Valencia`s chess heritage.

Anand`s two-day visit was packed with activities highlighting the historical link. He was officially welcomed by Valencia`s Mayor, María José Catalá, who expressed the city`s pride in hosting such a chess icon. Discussions included plans for future collaboration with the international chess federation to further promote Valencia`s origins story on a global scale – a goal Anand himself echoed, stating the world should know more about where modern chess truly began.

Exploring the Legacy: Exhibitions and City Culture

A key part of Anand`s visit included touring the permanent exhibition “Valencia, origin of modern chess, 1475” at the Petxina Sports and Culture Complex. Guided by researcher José A. Garzón, one of the key figures behind the Chess Day initiative, Anand explored reproductions of historical documents and panels illustrating the development and spread of the new rules. The exhibition, which includes a large-scale comic about Francesc Vicent, vividly portrays the journey of the game from Valencian innovation to European phenomenon.

Beyond the chess events, Anand also had the opportunity to experience Valencia`s rich culture, visiting historical landmarks like the Cathedral, the Silk Exchange, and the Church of San Nicolás, and even attending a session of the historic Tribunal de las Aguas. His appreciation for the city`s past and present was evident throughout his visit.

Masterclass by a Maestro

One of the highlights was Anand`s masterclass at the University of Valencia`s La Nau Cultural Centre. The Aula Magna was completely filled with eager fans and players, testament to Anand`s enduring appeal. The session, moderated by Ester Alba, Vice-Rector for Culture and Society, involved Anand analyzing some of his celebrated games, encouraging audience participation by asking for move suggestions in critical positions. This interactive approach provided a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a world champion and the complex decision-making inherent in chess.

Fittingly, Anand discussed his use of the Spanish Opening (Ruy López), an opening originating from the era when chess rules were being codified. He later viewed a copy of the 1561 book by Ruy López de Segura, held in the University`s Historical Library, further connecting the historical roots of the game to modern practice through the lens of his own career. Anand`s generosity with his time for autographs and photos left a lasting positive impression on everyone he met.

Valencia`s Enduring Chess Legacy

Viswanathan Anand`s visit, coinciding with the decree of an official Chess Day, marks a significant moment for Valencia. It not only celebrates a crucial historical milestone – the 550th anniversary of the powerful Queen`s arrival on the board – but also reinforces the city`s commitment to promoting chess for its educational and cultural value. The connection forged between India, represented by Anand, and Spain, through Valencia, highlights the global journey of chess and its enduring appeal. Valencia`s legacy as the birthplace of modern chess is now officially recognized and poised to inspire future generations of players.