Cruciverba Illustrati (Treccani)

About Cruciverba Illustrati (Treccani)

Treccani, the institute behind the Enciclopedia Italiana, runs a games section where Cruciverba Illustrati is the first game; a quiz is announced as coming next. Each crossword has its own dated page, and everyone who opens the game on a given day gets the same grid.

The grid is 15 by 15, with around 76 answers split between orizzontali (across) and verticali (down). The clues lean on general culture in the encyclopedia's spirit: history, geography, art, music, science and Italian language, mixed with everyday words and abbreviations. Many clues come with a second, different hint that you can reveal when stuck.

What gives the game its name is the illustrated clue: one answer each day is linked to an image from the Treccani digital archive, and the picture shows the thing the word names. It suits Italian speakers who like full-size crosswords with a cultural slant.

How to play Cruciverba Illustrati (Treccani)

1. Open Treccani Giochi and choose Cruciverba Illustrati to load the day's dated grid.
2. Select a square or a clue in the orizzontali (across) or verticali (down) list.
3. Type your answer into the grid; crossing letters help with the next clue.
4. Look at the day's picture: it shows the answer to one marked clue.
5. Reveal the extra hint on a clue if you are stuck, and fill the whole grid.

Tips

• Solve the picture clue early; a long answer placed near the top opens up many crossings.
• The second hint often comes at the answer from another side, such as a famous example or a different meaning of the word.
• Short answers are often abbreviations, Roman numerals or two-letter words; fill them in to get crossing letters.

Questions