Team vs team
Use your own phones and join a team. Any teammate’s answer advances everyone. Beat the other teams on the leaderboard.
City exploration game
A city against an Emperor
4.79Player rating
A DIFFERENT WAY TO SEE THE CITY
Play at your pace · usually 142 min 2.6 km Ghent App-guided
Play in
EnglishFrenchDutch
The experience
About this quest
Ghent, 3 May 1540.
You are Pieter, a proud citizen of one of Europe's great cities. A city of wealth, trade, and fierce independence.
This powerful city just said no to the most powerful man of his time: Emperor Charles V, born in this very city. He demands a war tax to fund his wars. But Ghent refuses, protected by the Calfvel, an ancient charter granting the city its rights and freedoms.
Now the Emperor and his army are marching on the city to bring it to its knees. Can you save it?
You are Pieter, a proud citizen of one of Europe's great cities. A city of wealth, trade, and fierce independence.
This powerful city just said no to the most powerful man of his time: Emperor Charles V, born in this very city. He demands a war tax to fund his wars. But Ghent refuses, protected by the Calfvel, an ancient charter granting the city its rights and freedoms.
Now the Emperor and his army are marching on the city to bring it to its knees. Can you save it?
Is this for you?
Who it's for
History lovers who know Ghent as the birthplace of Charles V, and families who enjoy role-play, can spend about 2 hours as Pieter, a citizen defying the Emperor's war tax in 1540. The 2.6 km walk runs from Sint-Michielsbrug past the Belfort and Gravensteen to the Stroppendrager, with a puzzle at each stop. If you want a live guide to question about the revolt, or an indoor visit, choose something else.
What makes this quest special
Highlights
This is not a legend. It's a true story, told through the eyes of those who lived it. It goes beyond time and beyond the tourist trail, passing iconic landmarks but also quiet streets and hidden corners.
Discover what shaped Ghent and its character. Be swept away, just when you think the story ends, Ghent has one last surprise for you.
From people who played this quest
Good times. In their words.
4.79 / 5
14 player ratings
Selected player reviews. Original words and ratings.
Most relevant starts with detailed five-star reviews. All ratings remain available.
From your phone to the streets
A walk that turns into an adventure.
- 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
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
Crack a clue. Share a little victory.
Look around for answers, solve puzzles and enjoy the “we got it!” moments.
CHOOSE YOUR PASS
How many are playing?
Get this questNo booking slot · play any dayFull refund until you start playing
BRING YOUR WHOLE GROUP
One city. Rival teams. Great stories together.
A school trip, a team day or friends out together. Turn your next outing into a little friendly competition.
Everyone for themselves
One player per phone. Solve clues on your own and race for the top spot on the final leaderboard.
Can a team share one phone?
Yes. Play together on one phone per team, or use your own phones and join the same team in the app. We recommend your own phones so everyone can take part.
Your walk, at a glance
Ghent
A · Start
St Michael's Bridge, Sint-Michielshelling, 9000 Gent, Belgium
B · Finish
Lodewijk van Malestraat 8, 9000 Gent, Belgium
Start and finish only. Discover the stops as you play.
Along the way
Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included
The people behind the adventure
Created by Charlotte.
A route that brings places and playful storytelling together.
Made by Charlotte
WHAT MAKES A QUEST DIFFERENT
Your adventure, with a playful twist.
1 / 4
Experience
- This quest
- Discover places through stories and clues in the app
- Guided walking tour
- Hear stories and ask a guide questions
2 / 4
Pace
- This quest
- Pause for a photo, a café or a longer look
- Guided walking tour
- Usually follows the guide’s schedule
3 / 4
Company
- This quest
- Explore with your own people or on your own
- Guided walking tour
- Private and shared group tours are available
4 / 4
Guidance
- This quest
- Directions and challenges in the Questo app
- Guided walking tour
- Live interpretation from a guide
Features and terms vary by experience. Check the details before booking.
Good to know before you play
- Step Into the Story
- Hidden History
- Family friendly
A little clarity before you go
Frequently asked questions
Is this quest suitable for a school trip to Ghent?
It suits groups learning about the city's history. Players take the role of Pieter, a citizen of Ghent in 1540, and solve puzzles at real places such as the Belfort, the Stadshuis and the Gravensteen. It is tagged family friendly, takes about 2 hours and runs without a guide.
Is this tour about Charles V and Ghent?
Yes. It is set on 3 May 1540, when Ghent refused to pay Emperor Charles V, born in the city, a war tax for his wars. The city relied on the Calfvel, an old charter of its rights, as his army marched on it. The route ends at the Stroppendrager, recalling the noose bearers.
Where does the quest start and finish?
It starts at Sint-Michielsbrug and finishes at the Stroppendrager, so it is not a loop. In between you pass the Gildehuis der Vrije Schippers, the Belfort, Sint-Baafskathedraal, the Stadshuis, Werregarenstraat, Het Toreken, Huis van Alijn, the Gravensteen, Kinderrechtenplein and Prinsenhofplein.
How long does it take and how far is the walk?
Most players take about 2 hours, including walking and puzzles, over a distance of 2.6 km. There is no set time slot to book, so you can start whenever you like, and you can pause the quest and carry on later if you want a break along the way.
Can we play as a family or a group?
Yes. The quest is tagged family friendly and works well for children old enough to follow a story and enjoy role-play puzzles. One ticket covers the whole group playing together, and you play on a phone at your own pace, with no guide or other group to join.
Keep exploring
Every quest. One year.
Explore the annual passGive them a story
A day out, gifted.
Explore Questo giftsKeep exploring Ghent
