- 1 map
- €11.99 per group
- ~2 h 30
Cosenza, the ancient "Athens of Calabria", unfolds with Piracity like an open-air book of adventures. Between the old town perched on the hill and the open-air museum of the modern avenue, an urban treasure map guides you from alley to alley solving riddles, in pursuit of one of Italy's most famous legends: the treasure of King Alaric. And between one stop and the next, Calabria wins you over at the table too.
Stops to discover
Castello Svevo di Cosenza
Perched on its hill, the Swabian Castle dominates Cosenza with its towers and walls. Normans, Swabians and Angevins fought over this fortress, shaken many times by earthquakes and now reborn as a cultural venue. Climb all the way up here: the reward is a panorama that takes in the whole Crati valley.
Quartiere Medievale — Cosenza Vecchia
A maze of lanes, stairways and noble palaces clinging to Pancrazio hill: Cosenza Vecchia, the old town, is one of the most evocative historic centres in southern Italy. Between churches, workshops and glimpses of the river, every corner tells centuries of history. Lose yourself in its alleys and let your treasure map guide you.
Cattedrale di Cosenza
Consecrated in the presence of an emperor, Cosenza Cathedral guards an imperial gift and the tomb of a queen. Honoured by UNESCO with a recognition that is unique in Italy, it blends Romanesque and Gothic styles in a sober, elegant façade. Step inside and look for the treasures hidden among its ancient naves.
Museo dei Brettii e degli Enotri
In the old convent of Sant'Agostino, in the upper part of the old town, Cosenza tells of its roots: from the Oenotrians to the Bruttii, the people who made it their capital, down to the Romans.
Piazza XV Marzo e Teatro Rendano
The monumental heart of old Cosenza, Piazza XV Marzo brings together the Teatro Rendano, the Accademia Cosentina and a statue dedicated to freedom of thought. This is where the city has celebrated its Risorgimento and its culture. Step into the square and listen for the echo of the music drifting out of Calabria's best-loved theatre.
Ponte sul Busento — Luogo del Tesoro di Alarico
Somewhere beneath the waters of the Busento, legend says, the king of the Visigoths rests with his fabulous treasure. Alaric's burial is one of Europe's most fascinating mysteries, unsolved for over sixteen hundred years. Lean over the river and try to imagine the gold still waiting, somewhere in the silt.
MAB — Museo all'Aperto Bilotti
An art gallery with no walls and no ticket: the MAB turns Corso Mazzini into an open-air museum. Among the passers-by appear works by Dalí, De Chirico, Manzù and other 20th-century masters. Walk along Cosenza's pedestrian street and let the sculptures surprise you at every step.
The attractions along the route
The hunt takes you among the city's iconic landmarks: the Swabian Castle dominating from above, the silent alleys of Old Cosenza, the medieval Cathedral, the Museo dei Brettii e degli Enotri, where the city tells of its most ancient roots, and the Bridge over the Busento, where legend places the tomb and treasure of Alaric. Along Corso Mazzini you'll come across the MAB, the Bilotti Open-Air Museum, with sculptures by artists such as Dalí and De Chirico. Every place hides a clue to your adventure.
History and culture, lived through play
With Piracity you discover Cosenza almost without realizing it. Did you know that in 410 AD the Visigoth king Alaric died right here, and that, according to legend, his men hid his remains and treasure by diverting the Busento river? Between one riddle and the next there's room for today's Calabria too: a generous land of bold flavours, where you can taste specialties like the spicy 'nduja.
An adventure that continues
Once the hunt is over, Cosenza still has so much to offer. Stop in Piazza XV Marzo in front of the Teatro Rendano, lose yourself among the alleys of the old town or treat yourself to a break in a café along the avenue. Whether it's your first time in Calabria or a return to your roots, with Piracity Cosenza will surprise you at every corner.
Frequently asked questions
€11.99 per group. One purchase unlocks the map on one phone and the whole group plays together, as many of you as you like. You get access by email right away and the map stays valid for 1 year.
About 2.5–3 hours on foot, at an easy pace, including stops to solve the puzzles. Each map's page shows its stages, distance and estimated time.
No, you can play straight from the browser: Piracity is a web app (PWA) you add to your home screen in two taps.
Recommended from age 8; younger children play as a team with their parents.