Old Town Bologna: Murder Mystery image 1

Old Town Bologna: Murder Mystery

🔒 Instant Access: Book now and start immediately. No need to wait for a guide.

⏱️ Total Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume whenever you want.

🧩 Gamified Discovery: Solve 11 location-based puzzles to unlock hidden stories and secret spots.

📍 Starting Point: Porta Galliera, P.za XX Settembre, 15, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy

🛡️ Free Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours before your planned start for a full refund.

🌐 Available In: 🇬🇧 English 🇮🇹 Italiano 🇪🇸 Español

Places you will visit

11

It will take you

95-125 mins

You will walk

3940 steps

Total distance

3 km

Route you will explore

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About this quest

Bologna, 1880. The trains have arrived, the city buzzes with newfound speed, and Italy is still catching its breath as a young nation. But one thing hasn’t changed - murder still stalks the alleyways. 

You are Andrea Satutto, Italy’s most brilliant detective, summoned to crack the case of Giacomo di Pepoli: a powerful man found dead in the heart of Bologna’s old town. Clues hide in plain sight, whispered through cobbled streets and behind noble facades. With every step, you’ll follow the trail, solve puzzles rooted in history, and uncover a story few dare to tell. 

Grab your sharpest friends or your bravest family, and walk your way through one of Bologna’s darkest secrets. The truth is waiting—but only if you’re clever enough to find it.

What to Expect

This self-guided walking tour in Bologna combines exploration, storytelling, and puzzle-solving into one unique experience. As you navigate through the city, you will discover 11 carefully selected locations, each revealing a piece of the story.

The entire quest takes approximately 6600 minutes to complete and covers 3km on foot. You will move at your own pace, with the freedom to pause whenever you want to take photos, grab a coffee, or simply soak in the atmosphere.

Each location features a challenge or puzzle that unlocks the next chapter of your story. These challenges are designed to be fun and engaging while teaching you about the history, culture, and hidden gems of Bologna.

No tour guide needed – your smartphone becomes your guide. The Questo app provides directions, shares stories, and presents challenges along the way.

Highlights

  • Uncover the stories behind Bologna’s central square

  • Learn about the puzzling history of the Old University

  • Discover the city’s most famous marketplace

The mission: Your story in Bologna

The year is 1880. Bologna booms. The railroads were built just a few years ago and Italy is still young. Things are moving quickly, faster than ever before in the city’s history.

You are Andrea Satutto, the famous Italian detective, and you have been called in to figure out another "unsolvable" murder. You arrived from Rome this morning and, as usual, your mind is thrilled. Another mystery! You grin in excitement.

The victim is the infamous and affluent Giacomo di Pepoli, the head of Bologna’s finest family.

Will you be able to solve this one?
  • Best during the day
  • Best at night

Tips & Recommendations

👟

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You will be walking throughout the city, so comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the experience.

🔋

Charge Your Phone

Make sure your smartphone is fully charged. The quest runs through the Questo app, and you will be using it throughout.

🌤️

Check the Weather

This is an outdoor activity. Bring an umbrella or sunscreen depending on the forecast.

📸

Bring a Camera

You will discover photogenic locations and hidden gems perfect for capturing memories.

💧

Stay Hydrated

Bring water, especially during warmer months or longer quests.

👥

Play with Friends

While you can play solo, quests are more fun with friends or family. One ticket works for a group.

Important Information

⏱️

Duration

Approximately 6600 minutes

🚶

Distance

3km walking

👥

Group Size

Unlimited

💪

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible (stairs and uneven surfaces)

🔄

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled start time

ℹ️

Need to Know Before Booking

  • You will need the Questo app on your smartphone (iOS or Android)
  • Each ticket can be used by a group (share one device or play separately)
  • Internet connection required to download the quest initially
  • Once downloaded, you can play offline if needed

Ratings and Reviews

4.45

565 ratings

5 Stars
58%
4 Stars
30%
3 Stars
11%
2 Stars
1%
1 Star
0%
Reviews
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nina

11 Feb 2026

Ana

31 Jan 2026

Raluca-Maria Popa

24 Jan 2026

Massimo Cereda

04 Jan 2026

Mirco

03 Jan 2026

Beat the best: Top Bologna explorers

razvanRookie
3400 XP
Sergio Costa
Sergio CostaRookie
3400 XP
Federica Gianni
Federica GianniRookie
3400 XP

Compare Questo vs. Guided Walking Tours

FeatureRegular Guided ToursQuesto
Flexibility
Fixed schedules & no pausing
Start, pause, and resume anytime
Privacy
Crowds of up to 30 strangers
Private experience for your group only
Pricing
$30-$40 per person
Affordable per-group pricing
Availability
Requires advance booking
Instant access 24/7/365
Experience
Passive listening to a guide
Active gamification; you solve the mystery

Have an unlock code?

Frequently asked questions

What’s this quest about?

Step back to 1880 Bologna. A nobleman has been found dead, and you’re the detective chasing the truth. You’ll wander cobblestone lanes, uncover hidden clues, and piece together a murder mystery set in the city’s gorgeous old town.

Who will enjoy it most?

Couples looking for a unique date, friends who like puzzles and dark stories, and travelers who want a city walk with real suspense instead of a typical tour.

Is it a good idea for a date night?

Absolutely. Solving clues together is fun and a little romantic, and you’ll find quiet piazzas and hidden corners that feel made for two.

Are the puzzles difficult?

They’re clever but approachable. You’ll stay challenged and entertained without feeling stuck.

Can we start whenever we like?

Yes. No guide, no fixed start time—just open the quest on your phone and begin whenever it fits your day or evening plans.

Will locals find it interesting too?

Yes! Even people who know Bologna well often discover new stories, hidden architecture, and details they’ve walked past for years.

Download Questo and playin the real world

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play