Festival di Scacchi Anghiari 2027 takes place February 12–14, 2027, inside Castello di Galbino near Anghiari, Tuscany. The main event is a five-round FIDE Standard-rated Classical Open at 90+30, limited to 80 players. Accademia Scacchi Milano organizes the festival with the Municipality of Anghiari and support from the Baldeschi family.

Players compete in the castle’s frescoed and great halls. Prizes feature regional Tuscan products, cups and plaques, not cash awards. The first classical round starts at 6 PM on Friday, February 12. Entry costs €60 for adults, €50 for women and players over 65, or €40 for under-18s; online VesuS pre-registration closes February 10.

The festival also hosts the Semilampo Rapid on February 13, with seven rounds at 12+3 from 3 PM to 7:30 PM and a €10 entry fee. This tournament is not FIDE Rapid rated. Importantly, it begins at the same time as Classical round 3, so players should choose their schedule carefully rather than assume both competitions can be completed.

📌 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The main five-round Classical Open uses 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move. Pairings follow the Swiss system, and the results count toward FIDE Standard Elo. Moreover, the organizer applies the published tiebreak order: REP, total Buchholz, Buchholz Cut 1 and average opponent rating. A player arriving more than 30 minutes after a round’s start forfeits the game.

A half-point bye may be requested under the applicable FSI rules. The tournament also observes restrictions on electronic communication devices; players must keep prohibited devices switched off and out of reach.

Saturday Semilampo Rapid Open

On Saturday, February 13, 2027, a separate seven-round Rapid tournament runs in the castle’s orangery from 3 PM to 7:30 PM, using 12 minutes plus three seconds per move. The entry fee is €10, with 80 places available. Awards for the top three comprise cups and regional products. Importantly, this is an unrated amateur rapid competition; it does not count toward FIDE Rapid Elo.

See the official Semilampo regulations (PDF) for its separate rules.

🏆 Awards & Qualification

The organizer awards non-cash prizes featuring local Tuscan products. The official awards schedule recognizes the first five overall finishers and selected age and gender categories.

The tournament prospectus does not announce a cash prize fund. In addition, the separate informal rapid event does not form part of the FIDE-rated classical results.

📅 Schedule

Important schedule clash: the Semilampo Rapid takes place on Saturday, February 13, from 3 PM to 7:30 PM, which overlaps Classical round 3 at 3 PM. Therefore, do not assume participation in both competitions is feasible. Rapid round-by-round start times are not individually published; see the official Semilampo regulations.

📝 Registration

Online pre-registration through VesuS is mandatory by February 10, 2027. The tournament accepts a maximum of 80 players, and entry is completed only when the organizer receives payment. Any remaining places may be registered at the venue until 5:30 PM on February 12.

Italian players and foreign players resident in Italy must have eligible 2027 FSI competitive or junior membership. Foreign entrants must meet the applicable FIDE registration requirements. The organizers request bank-transfer payment to Accademia Scacchi Milano and presentation of the receipt during check-in; exact instructions are in the official regulations. Questions can be sent to info@accademiascacchimilano.com.

🏛️ Organizer

Accademia Scacchi Milano is a chess school recognized by the Italian Chess Federation (FSI). Based at the Circolo Culturale I Navigli in Milan, it organizes training, club competition and FIDE-rated over-the-board chess. The Anghiari festival extends the academy’s activities beyond its usual Milan venue.

For February 2027, the academy collaborates with the Municipality of Anghiari and the Baldeschi family, whose involvement is central to staging chess inside Castello di Galbino. The Classical tournament uses the frescoed and great halls, whereas the separate amateur Semilampo uses the glass-fronted orangery. These different rooms allow two formats within the same historic estate.

Rather than monetary awards, the organizers emphasize Tuscan regional products, cups and plaques. This approach connects competitive chess with the area’s local food traditions. Moreover, the academy’s official announcement mentions a possible group coach from Milan for members, but only if sufficient interest develops. It is not confirmed as a scheduled public service.

For event administration and logistics, the organizer lists Francesco, +39 328 7194921, and info@accademiascacchimilano.com. Participants should refer to the official festival announcement for updates, entry rules and travel arrangements.

📍 Venue

Castello di Galbino, Località Galbino, Tavernelle, 52031 Anghiari (AR), Tuscany, Italy, stands in the countryside of the upper Tiber valley. The castle’s origins date to the 11th century, and its later evolution turned a medieval fortified site into a noble residence. Its central tower, four smaller corner towers and loggia give the building a distinctive architectural character.

The historic estate lies above the Sovara valley, formerly part of a strategic route between the Arezzo region and the upper Tiber. The castle passed through several noble families, including the Barbolani and Baldeschi. Today, the tournament brings players into spaces that differ markedly from an ordinary sports hall.

The Classical Open takes place in the Sala affrescata (frescoed hall) and Sala grande (great hall). On Saturday afternoon, the Semilampo Rapid takes place in the limonaia, a glass-fronted orangery overlooking the valley. The two competitions have their own regulations and schedules.

Official coordinates: 43°32′37.58″N, 12°01′01.15″E. Since the castle is outside Anghiari itself, use the Galbino locality rather than the historic town center when planning the final approach. The current prospectus does not confirm dedicated tournament parking or accessibility facilities.

🏨 Accommodation

For the February 12–14 festival, consider a stay from February 11 to February 15, 2027. Because Castello di Galbino lies outside the town center, selecting a hotel does not eliminate the need for a car or arranged taxi. The properties below are identifiable local options; no live rates or availability have been confirmed.

The official prospectus says that information about accommodation arrangements and possible transfers from Arezzo will be provided through VesuS and to pre-registered players. Compare those options before paying for independent transfers. These hotel links are informational, not verified affiliate redirects.

🍽️ Nearby Restaurants & Cafés

Castello di Galbino is in the countryside, so participants may prefer to arrange refreshments near Tavernelle or reserve a later meal in Anghiari. The Saturday and Sunday Classical schedules include morning and afternoon rounds; therefore, leave enough time for the drive back to the castle.

Opening hours during the tournament weekend have not been verified. In particular, the third classical round and Semilampo both begin at 3 PM on Saturday; avoid planning a meal that conflicts with your chosen competition.

🚆 How to Get There

Final destination: Castello di Galbino, Località Galbino, Tavernelle, 52031 Anghiari, Italy. Travelers should first reach the Arezzo / Sansepolcro / Anghiari area, then arrange the final road leg. Since the venue is a rural castle, neither the mainline railway nor a city metro serves its entrance.

For journey planning, consult Trenitalia, Autolinee Toscane and the organizer’s PDF directions. No specific travel times or transfer prices are quoted without a verified itinerary.

ℹ️ Other Information

The festival combines a FIDE Standard-rated Classical Open with a non-rated amateur Rapid inside a historic country castle. Most importantly, the two events overlap on Saturday afternoon, and they have different entry fees and eligibility requirements.

Travelers who need a transfer or special accommodation arrangement should request current information from the organizer before booking. The prospectus states that possible transfers from Arezzo will be communicated through VesuS to pre-registered participants.