by Redazione 26/10/2026

A historic villa engulfed in flames and an ox fleeing from an ancient fresco: in Lanuvio and Sutri, history becomes an adventure to experience firsthand, thanks to the “Custodi della Storia” project, made possible with funding from the Lazio Region.

What happens when the past suddenly bursts into the present? In Lanuvio, a historic villa is engulfed in flames, while in Sutri, an ox seems to be escaping from an ancient fresco, wreaking havoc in the city’s streets. All it takes is a smartphone to uncover the origin of these mysterious events: this is the idea behind “Custodi della Storia”(Guardians of History), the project that transforms Lazio’s cultural heritage into an interactive video game to be explored right on the ground.

Created with funding from the Lazio Region, the initiative involves the towns of Lanuvio, in the province of Rome, and Sutri, in the province of Viterbo, which are the settings for two original adventures that weave together local history, augmented reality, puzzles, and encounters with figures from the past. The first two missions will be presented during two separate events: Saturday, November 7, in Lanuvio, and Sunday, November 8, in Sutri.

How ‘Custodi della Storia’ Works

The game is played througha dedicated app, which allows participants to join Lighthouse, a mysterious agency tasked with investigating anomalies that bring the past into the present. From that moment on, the city streets become an investigative trail: every monument may hide a clue, every encounter may reveal a decisive detail, and every stop contributes to solving the mystery.

The experience takes place as you walk through real-world locations. The smartphone becomes the tool for tracking down clues, viewing characters in augmented reality, gathering information, and tackling challenges and puzzles. The missions follow a plot that unfolds progressively, inviting players to observe their surroundings carefully and discover details of the historical heritage that might otherwise go unnoticed. The result is a different way of engaging with history: not just by visiting monuments, but by actively participating in a narrative in which places, artifacts, and figures from the past become an integral part of the adventure.

Lanuvio: A Mysterious Fire at Villa Sforza Cesarini

The first mission takes participants to Lanuvio, where the adventure begins at Villa Sforza Cesarini. Here, an imaginary fire—dating back to another era—seems to have suddenly reignited. To understand what is happening, participants must follow the clues scattered throughout the town and explore some of its most significant sites. The route passes by the Sanctuary of Juno Sospita and the Porta Romana Tower, weaving together archaeological and architectural evidence with the stories of figures who have left their mark on local history. Throughout the mission, figures such as Pope Victor III, Marianna Candidi Dionigi, and Marcantonio Colonna appear, guiding players as they piece together the events.

The adventure thus becomes a journey through archaeology, art, and the city’s collective memory. Each discovery helps advance the narrative, transforming knowledge of the area into an indispensable tool for solving the case.

Sutri: The Runaway Ox Between the Necropolis and the Roman Amphitheater

In Sutri, however, the mystery takes the form of an ox that seems to have escaped its past. Its escape sets off a mission that winds through some of the city’s most iconic sites, starting withthe archaeological area along the Via Cassia. The itinerary includes the Necropolis, the Mithraeum, Villa Savorelli, the Roman Amphitheater, and the historic center, leading participants on a journey to discover the different eras that have shaped Sutri. Among the characters who bring the adventure to life is Saturn, the deity depicted on the city’s coat of arms, along with other figures linked to historical events and local legends.

Here, too, puzzles guide the exploration and invite participants to interpret the urban landscape as a collection of interconnected historical traces. The game thus takes participants on a journey through ancient places of worship, Roman monuments, and historic architecture, highlighting the cultural richness of a city shaped by diverse civilizations, religions, and traditions.

A New Way to Tell the Story of Lazio’s Cultural Heritage

The two “Custodi della Storia” adventures share the goal of bringing the public closer to cultural heritage through an immersive and participatory experience. In Lanuvio, the cult of Juno Sospita, the remains of the Roman city, the medieval fortifications, and the noble palaces become the chapters of a single narrative. In Sutri, the necropolis carved into the tuff, the ancient sacred spaces, the amphitheater, and the buildings of the historic center help reconstruct the city’s many identities. The playful element does not replace the historical value of the monuments, but offers a lens through which to understand them and recognize their connections. Historical research fuels the narrative, while challenges and puzzles encourage participants to observe the sites, reflect on their transformations, and discover the stories they hold.
*Custodi della Storia* is available for free on digital app stores.

“Enhancing a historic center also means creating new reasons to explore it, to linger in its squares, and to discover places that often lie off the beaten path of traditional tourist routes,” says Lanuvio’s mayor, Andrea Volpi. “Lanuvio possesses a rich and diverse cultural heritage, in which archaeological remains, architecture, and historical events tell the stories of different eras. With Custodi della Storia, we wanted to connect these treasures, creating an experience that offers a comprehensive view of our city. It’s a way to promote Lanuvio as a cultural destination, encourage a deeper understanding of the area, and create new opportunities for interaction between our historical heritage, visitors, and life in the town center.”

“Sutri’s historical and cultural heritage is a fundamental resource for our community’s identity, but also for its future. The challenge before us is not only to preserve and protect this legacy, but to make it increasingly vibrant, accessible, and capable of generating new opportunities for the region,” states the mayor of Sutri, Matteo Amori.“Custodi della Storia fits into this vision, demonstrating how innovation can complement cultural promotion and help revitalize the city’s tourism offerings. We believe in a Sutri that knows how to preserve its history and, at the same time, find new ways to tell it, strengthening the bond with the community and opening up to new visitors.”

“We spend hours staring at our phones, while all around us there are stories we’ve often stopped noticing,” comments Gianluca Cheli of Larp Studio.“With Custodi della Storia, we want to flip this dynamic: using the smartphone to spark curiosity about what’s right in front of us. A building facade becomes a clue, a square the setting for a mystery, a figure from the past someone to interact with. This is the challenge that Lanuvio and Sutri have embraced—and for this we thank them—and one we want to bring to other areas: ensuring that the game inspires us to explore, learn about, and marvel at the real world.”

Lazio Becomes a Video Game: In Lanuvio and Sutri, You Can Explore the Region’s Heritage Using Your Smartphone

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