Escape Room Across Como: Solve Puzzles Through the Old Town

Crack a dozen hidden clues scattered through Como's centre

Sato Code is an escape room game played across Como's old town, where teams of two or more hunt for clues hidden in streets and shops, solve puzzles that grow harder, and uncover landmarks and hidden gems from Piazza Cavour to Porta Torre. You'll need at least two players with smartphones and an internet connection; the game is available in English, Italian and German.

The Experience

A dozen clues are planted across Como's city centre, hidden in a record store, tucked into a pizzeria, embedded in the architecture itself. You and your team download the Sato Code App, and each player receives different information on their phone — the puzzle only comes together when you combine what you've each found. The game starts at Piazza Cavour and pulls you through the alleys of the Città Murata, the old walled town, heading toward Porta Torre. It's not a walking tour dressed up as a game; it's a puzzle-solving challenge that happens to move you through the city.

The difficulty ramps as you progress. Early clues might be straightforward symbols to spot; later ones demand real brainpower to decode. You're looking for hidden messages, cracking codes, piecing together objects that only make sense as parts of a larger mystery. The storyline — "The Sasso Society" — was designed to fit Como itself, so the puzzles aren't generic riddles transplanted to the location. You'll pass iconic landmarks, but you'll also stumble onto corners most visitors miss. The whole thing takes about an hour, though the pace depends on how quickly your team solves each puzzle.

Everyone needs a charged smartphone with internet access; if only one person has a connection, use their hotspot to keep the others online. Minimum age is 16 — the puzzles are genuinely difficult and designed for adult brainpower. You'll receive your game tickets by SMS before you start, and you can play in English, Italian or German. Wear comfortable shoes; you'll be walking the old town's narrow streets and alleys.

What’s included

• Escape room game tickets delivered by SMS.
• access to the Sato Code App in English, Italian or German.
• a self-guided puzzle hunt through Como's old town from Piazza Cavour to Porta Torre.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sato Code

Is this one for you?This is a self-guided game your team solves together using smartphones, not a walking tour with a guide explaining the city. Pick it if you want a puzzle challenge that moves you through Como on your own pace, and you're comfortable with logic games that demand real concentration — it's built for adults who enjoy escape rooms and don't need someone narrating the landmarks.

Traveler reviews

4.89★★★★★★★★★★

9 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

How many people do I need to play the Sato Code escape game?

You need at least two players, and each person must have their own smartphone. The app gives different clues to each player, so you have to work together to solve the puzzles — one person alone can't finish the game.

What happens if I don't know Como — will I be lost?

The game doesn't require prior knowledge of the city. You're following clues and solving puzzles, not learning Como's history. The route moves from Piazza Cavour toward Porta Torre through the old town, and the clues guide you to the right locations.

Can I play this with teenagers, or is it really only for adults?

The operator recommends active participation from age 16 because the puzzles are genuinely difficult. Younger players can join if they're comfortable with challenging logic games and your family enjoys escape rooms, but unaccompanied children under 16 may find it too hard.

What if my phone dies or I lose internet during the game?

You'll need a charged phone and internet connection throughout — if one person's phone dies, your team can't continue. Make sure everyone's phone is fully charged before you start, and if only one person has internet, use their hotspot to keep the others connected.

How long does the whole game take?

The game is designed for about an hour, though the actual time depends on how quickly your team solves each puzzle. Some teams may finish faster or slower depending on how the clues click for you.

What languages is the game available in?

Sato Code is available in English, Italian and German. You'll choose your language when you download the app and receive your tickets.