Valencia Crowns Itself: Celebrating 550 Years as the Birthplace of Modern Chess

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For centuries, the game of chess has captivated minds, a battle of intellect played out on 64 squares. While its origins trace back to ancient India, the version we recognise and play today, distinguished by the formidable power of the Queen, has a remarkably specific birthplace and anniversary: Valencia, Spain, marking 550 years in 2025.

The traditional game featured a much weaker piece where the Queen now stands, often called a `vizier` or `ferz`, capable only of moving one square diagonally. The revolution came in Valencia around 1475. It was here that the rules were transformed, granting the Queen her sweeping diagonal and horizontal/vertical movement capabilities, instantly making her the most powerful piece on the board. This dramatic change injected new dynamism and complexity into the game, fundamentally altering strategy and tactics forever. One could argue it was the original “Queen`s Gambit,” though less a calculated opening sacrifice and more a radical rule overhaul.

This pivotal moment was first captured not in a dusty treatise, but in a poem titled Scachs d’amor (Chess of Love), penned by Valencian poets Bernat Fenollar, Narcís Vinyoles, and Francí de Castellví. This literary work served as an early, perhaps unintentionally public, record of the new, more exciting rules being played locally. The diffusion of these rules was then significantly aided by Francesch Vicent of Segorbe, whose book, printed in Valencia on May 15, 1495, became the first known manual detailing the modern game, then called Axedres de la Dama (Chess of the Lady).

Recognizing this profound contribution to global culture and intellectual history, the Valencian Parliament has taken a concrete step: officially decreeing May 15th as the Autonomous Community`s “Chess Day.” This unanimous decision highlights the significance of Valencia`s historical role and the enduring benefits of chess. Better late than never, one might muse, for an official stamp of approval on a 550-year-old innovation that reshaped intellectual history.

Adding considerable prestige to the anniversary celebrations, Valencia recently welcomed none other than five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand. Currently serving as Deputy President of FIDE and a living legend, Anand`s visit on May 15th and 16th was a highly anticipated highlight.

Anand`s itinerary underscored the connection between the game`s history and its present. He was received by Valencia`s Mayor, María José Catalá, who acknowledged the honour of hosting the “Sportsman of the Millennium” in the very city that gave birth to the game he mastered. Discussions touched upon future collaborations to promote Valencia`s historical claim globally.

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, Anand viewed reproductions of pivotal documents and learned more about the journey from *Scachs d`amor* to Vicent`s printed book. This exhibition, enriched by a comic about Francesc Vicent, stands as a testament to Valencia`s legacy.

Beyond the official duties, Anand experienced the city`s rich culture firsthand, visiting historical sites like the Silk Exchange and the Cathedral. Such explorations connect a global icon of the game with the very soil where its modern form took root.

The visit culminated in a masterclass at the University of Valencia`s La Nau Cultural Centre. A packed Aula Magna witnessed Anand analyze some of his own famous games, engaging the audience by soliciting their ideas. This interactive session perfectly highlighted the decision-making process central to chess, a process made infinitely more complex and fascinating by the enhanced power of the Queen developed just blocks away, centuries ago.

Anand even referenced the Ruy López, a classic opening originating in Spain, noting its value for learning strategy. Fittingly, he viewed a copy of Ruy López de Segura`s 1561 book, a cornerstone text in the history of the *new* game, held in the university`s historical library.

Viswanathan Anand`s presence amplified the significance of the 550th anniversary. His grace and mastery left an indelible mark, forging a symbolic link between India, the ancient source of the game, and Valencia, the city that propelled it into its modern, globally dominant form. Valencia isn`t just celebrating history; it`s actively promoting its unique place in the ongoing narrative of chess.

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