La Settimana Enigmistica: Italy's Enduring Puzzle Icon
Since 1932, La Settimana Enigmistica, the renowned puzzle magazine of Italy, has been released weekly, except for two breaks during World War II. Alessandro Bartezzaghi, who took on the role of editor in June 2022 after joining in 1982, emphasizes its significance in Italian summer traditions. The magazine, which has been free of advertisements since the 1960s, earns around €50 million each year from subscriptions and sales. In its peak years during the 1980s and 1990s, it sold over a million copies weekly, while current figures remain in the six figures. The holiday edition, La Vacanza Enigmistica, is priced at €5. The inaugural cover featured Lupe Vélez on 23 January 1932, with printing halting in 1943 and 1945 due to the war.
Key facts
- La Settimana Enigmistica has been published weekly since 1932, with two interruptions during World War II.
- Alessandro Bartezzaghi became editor in June 2022, having worked for the publication since 1982.
- The magazine has been entirely advert-free since the 1960s, relying on subscriptions and newsstand sales.
- Annual revenues are estimated at about €50 million.
- In the 1980s and 1990s, weekly sales exceeded a million copies during summer.
- The magazine has had only four editors in its history.
- The first cover featured Mexican actress Lupe Vélez on 23 January 1932.
- The holiday special, La Vacanza Enigmistica, costs €5 and features more color pages and games.
Entities
Artists
- Alessandro Bartezzaghi
- Piero Bartezzaghi
- Lupe Vélez
Institutions
- La Settimana Enigmistica
- Monocle
Locations
- Italy
- Milan
- Piazza Cinque Giornate
Sources
- Monocle —