Italy>Gallipoli>The Shadow of the Corsair: The Secret of the Pearl of the Ionian
City exploration game

The Shadow of the Corsair: The Secret of the Pearl of the Ionian

The Shadow of the Corsair: The Secret of the Pearl of the Ionian image 1
Play at your pace · usually 1 min 1.3 km Gallipoli App-guided
Play in
English

The experience

About this quest

You have been contacted by a mysterious local antique dealer from Gallipoli. 

He has discovered an ancient diary that belonged to an 18th-century fisherman; it tells of a priceless treasure, the legendary "True Pearl" of Gallipoli, hidden long ago to protect it from pirate raids. 

Decipher the clues to solve the mystery!

Is this for you?

Who it's for

Families with school-age children, couples and friends on a beach break in Gallipoli can spend a little over an hour following an 18th-century fisherman's diary through the old town, cracking clues about a pearl hidden from pirate raids. It is free to play, covers about 1.3 km and feels more like a game than a lesson. If you want a guide explaining the history in depth, a guided old town tour will suit you better.

What makes this quest special

Highlights

    Players will explore Gallipoli's historic center on foot, solving riddles and uncovering the secrets of iconic landmarks such as the Angevin Castle, the Cathedral of Sant'Agata, the Church of La Purità, and the Greek Fountain.

From your phone to the streets

A walk that turns into an adventure.

  1. 1

    Open the app. You’re on your way.

    Choose your pass, then open your quest in the Questo app. It guides you from the starting point.

  2. 2

    Get outside. Follow your curiosity.

    Discover real places and their stories on foot. Stop for a coffee or a photo, then pick up where you left off.

  3. 3

    Crack a clue. Share a little victory.

    Look around for answers, solve puzzles and enjoy the “we got it!” moments.

Your walk, at a glance

Gallipoli

A · Start

Rampa Castello, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italia

B · Finish

Corso Roma, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italia

Get directions to the start

Start and finish only. Discover the stops as you play.

The people behind the adventure

Created by Sergio Cast.

A route that brings places and playful storytelling together.

Made by Sergio Cast

A little clarity before you go

Frequently asked questions

Where does the treasure hunt start and finish?
It starts at Castello Angioino and leads you to the Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata, then the Chiesa Rettoria Santa Maria della Purità, before finishing at Fontana Greca. The whole route covers about 1.3 km of the old town.
How long does it take?
Most players take a little over an hour, around 65 minutes, including the walking and the puzzles along the 1.3 km route. You can pause at any point and continue later, so it fits easily around a beach day.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, it suits families with school-age children. The story follows an old fisherman's diary and a legendary pearl hidden from pirates, and kids can help decipher the clues at each stop. Very young children may find the puzzles and the hour of walking a stretch.
Do we need to book a time or join a group?
No. The quest is free to play and you start whenever you like, on your own phone, with no guide and no group to join. Friends or family can simply play it together at their own pace.
Is it an outdoor activity?
Yes, it is a self-guided walk through the streets of Gallipoli's old town, moving between the castle, churches and the fountain. In bad weather you can pause the game and carry on later from where you stopped.

Your next story starts outside.

Your next adventure is an app away.

Get the Questo app. Pick a quest, follow the clues and make the city your playground.

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