Cryptors in the City: discover the history of Bonifacio

What if Bonifacio’s characters, legends and symbols could tell you their story themselves?

With ‘Cryptors in the City’, set off in search of 10 artworks scattered throughout the town. Find them, scan them with your phone and strike up a conversation with the figures who have shaped Bonifacio’s history and identity.

A cultural, interactive and fun treasure hunt offering a different way to explore Bonifacio’s heritage.

10 Cryptors are hiding in Bonifacio

Keep an eye out as you explore: 10 interactive street art pieces have been installed between the Upper Town and the Marina.

Created by the artist Mazu, these ceramic plaques are inspired by the pixel art of 1980s video games. Each one depicts a historical figure, a legend, a tradition or a natural symbol linked to Bonifacio.

When you spot one, scan it using the free ‘Cryptors in the City’ mobile app.

Thanks to conversational artificial intelligence, the character comes to life and invites you to discover their story.

Have a chat with History

Got a question on your mind? Ask the Cryptor directly!

The characters become real virtual guides with whom you can chat to discover anecdotes, tales of battles, details about the city or some of its secrets.

At the end of each conversation, a timed quiz lets you test your knowledge, rack up points on the local leaderboard and unlock the character for your collection.

A fun way to see Bonifacio in a new light… and perhaps spot details you’d previously overlooked.

The 10 Cryptors to collect

The Lady of Bonifacio

A prehistoric settlement dating from around 7500 BC <br>, bearing witness to the island’s earliest inhabitants.

The Genoese

A figure that evokes the centuries of Genoese rule and the history of the citadel.

Marguerite Bobbia

A legendary female figure from the siege of 1420, associated with courage and resistance in Boniface.

Dragut

The fearsome Ottoman privateer and admiral who laid siege to the city in the 16th century.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Meet the young artillery lieutenant stationed at Bonifacio in 1793, before the fate we know he was destined for.

L’Asi di Pitrin

A reference to the famous traditional Bonifacian song *L’asteddu di barba Pitrin* – *Uncle Pitrin’s donkey*.

The Red Coral

The ‘red gold’ of the Strait of Bonifacio: both an underwater treasure and a precious craft.

The Grain of SandU Diu Grossu

The famous limestone rock, sculpted by the sea and the force of the winds.

Ulysses

The mythical figure from the *Odyssey*, echoing the famous episode involving the Laestrygonians.

The Fisherman

A local figure from the Marine district who recounts the maritime heritage and the close bond between Bonifacio and the sea.

Can you spot all 10?

An adventure to enjoy as a family

Cryptors in the City has been designed for families, local residents and curious travellers.

Suitable for ages 8 and over, everyone can set off in search of the characters and discover the local heritage at their own pace.

The game bridges the gap between generations: younger players will recognise elements familiar from video games and collectables, whilst the stories told by the Cryptors invite the whole family to get to know Bonifacio better.

A new way to discover our heritage

Beyond the game itself, ‘Cryptors in the City’ forms part of the cultural outreach programme run in Bonifacio as part of the ‘Ville d’Art et d’Histoire’ scheme.

The aim is to provide new tools to make it easier for people to engage with the town’s heritage and to enable everyone – residents, families, young people and visitors – to better understand and connect with the town’s history.

Digital technology here complements other ways of exploring Bonifacio. An initial encounter with a historical figure can spark curiosity, make people want to step inside a monument, join a guided tour or simply see the town in a new light.

How do you play?

1. Download the Cryptors in the City app for free on iOS or Android.

2. Explore the Upper Town and the Marine district in search of the 10 artworks.

3. Spot a Cryptor and scan it using the app.

4. Start a conversation with the character to discover their story.

5. Test your knowledge with the quiz, earn points and complete your collection.

Cryptors In The City logo

Practical information

App: Cryptors in the City
Price: free
Available on: iOS and Android
Recommended age: 8 years and over
Route: Upper Town and Bonifacio Marina
Languages: French, English, Italian, German, Dutch, Spanish, Polish, Hungarian and Portuguese