Genoa Caruggi Maze: Medieval Walking Tour & Game
Navigate the ancient alleys of Genoa's Old Town through an interactive street game rooted in maritime history.
The Genoa Caruggi walking tour turns Europe's largest medieval historic center into a living puzzle, guiding you through narrow alleys, UNESCO-listed palaces, and centuries-old piazzas using nothing but your phone and your curiosity.
Genoa's Old Town was deliberately built as a labyrinth. Towering stone walls press together to form the Caruggi, a dense network of alleys that once confused invaders and sheltered merchants. Walking through them today, that same disorientation is part of the appeal.
This experience frames exploration as a mission. At each stop, a clue unlocks the next location and a new chapter of Genoa's maritime story. The route connects landmarks most visitors miss entirely, from hidden courtyards to the palaces that once housed the city's most powerful noble families.
The format is fully self-paced, meaning you can pause to try local focaccia or pesto at any point and pick up exactly where you left off. The difficulty is rated easy, and the total distance is manageable for most visitors, including those arriving by cruise ship.
Tour Highlights
Navigate Europe's largest medieval historic center using your phone as a compass through the Caruggi alleys.
Discover the Rolli Palaces, a collection of UNESCO World Heritage noble residences unique to Genoa.
Solve clues at the striped Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, the Doge's Palace, and Piazza De Ferrari.
Visit Christopher Columbus's House and learn how Genoa shaped the history of global exploration.
End the route at the historic waterfront near Palazzo San Giorgio, once a symbol of Genoese maritime power.
Ideal for cruise passengers: start immediately, finish in under two hours, no guide or booking window required.
Pause the game at any moment to eat, rest, or explore, then resume instantly without losing your progress.
Tour Itinerary
The game begins here with your first clue. Piazza Dante sits at the edge of the old medieval walls and marks the threshold between modern Genoa and the ancient Caruggi district.
One of Genoa's most recognizable medieval gates, Porta Soprana stands next to the house traditionally associated with Christopher Columbus. Your clue here connects Genoese seafaring history to the wider story unfolding through the game.
The black-and-white striped facade of San Lorenzo Cathedral is one of Genoa's most striking sights. Nearby, the Doge's Palace anchors the political history of the Genoese Republic. Clues at both locations deepen the maritime narrative.
Piazza Banchi was the commercial heart of medieval Genoa, where merchants and bankers conducted business. The adjacent Torre Maruffo is one of the old tower-houses that once defined the skyline of powerful families.
The route concludes near Palazzo San Giorgio, an imposing building that once served as the seat of Genoa's influential Bank of Saint George. The final stop at Calata Falcone e Borsellino marks the end of both the game and the story.
What Is Included
Included
- Interactive mobile-based game and clue system
- Self-guided route through Genoa's medieval Old Town
- Access to the full story and all game challenges
- Flexible start time — begin whenever suits you
- Pause and resume functionality throughout the experience
Not Included
- Food and beverages
- Entry fees to any museums or monuments
- Transport to or from the starting point
- A live guide or in-person escort
Important Information
This is a self-guided outdoor experience. Participants are responsible for their own navigation and safety throughout the route. The game is conducted via mobile device — ensure your phone is charged before you begin.
Ready to Explore the Caruggi?
Unlock Genoa's medieval streets at your own pace. Start when you arrive, stop when you like, and discover a side of the city that most visitors never find.
Book Now
