A Trek Around Europe Trivia Quiz

Answer: Turkey

Hattusha occupied an area that was inhabited for centuries prior to the Hittites claiming it for their capital. The Hittites are considered by historians to have been the third civilization in the ancient Near East, after Egypt and Mesopotamia. They were early iron workers, using it to make their chariots stronger and faster. In fact, their three-man chariot design, along with the iron weapons they made, were tough to beat in the ancient world.

The city of Hattusha grew to prominence about 1650 BC, when King Labarna decided to move his capital there. Although the capital was briefly moved due to outside attacks, the people returned and refortified Hattusha. At its peak it covered 400 acres, and was protected with both an inside wall, estimated to be 5 miles (8 km) long, as well as outside walls, parts of which still stand today. In approximately 1200 BC the city was destroyed.

Hattusha became a World Heritage Site in 1986 due to its aforementioned walls with exquisitely carved Lion and Sphinx Gates, the Great Temple, extent of evident urban organization, and the beautiful friezes carved in rock at Yazilikaya, believed to have been part of an open-air temple.

UNESCO World Heritage Site fact: UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. It was founded in 1945 to promote peace; a part of its mission is to help promote cultural history by protecting World Heritage Sites of cultural and natural value. The first World Heritage Sites were selected in 1978.

Answer: Turkey

Çatalhöyük could very well be the world's oldest known city. While it has been difficult to agree on its exact population (sources say anywhere from 600-800 people or 3,000-8,000), people lived there in mud-brick houses from approximately 7500 BC-6400 BC, so it dates all the way back to the Neolithic Age. Structures that have been uncovered all appear to be private homes rather than public buildings, and cover an area of 34 acres.

UNESCO chose Çatalhöyük as one of its World Heritage Sites in 2012 due to its age, large size, and its apparent transition from a small village to an urban center. Archeologists have discovered eighteen separate layers of settlement that attest to the city's development.

UNESCO World Heritage Site fact: Even though most of Turkey is located in Asian Anatolia, the entire country is considered to be part of the Europe and North America region.

Answer: Turkey

If you have heard of Ephesus, it is probably because the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was located there, or because you remembered that the Apostle Paul worked hard to establish a church there. People have been living on the site since the Neolithic Age.

Greeks took over the region in about the 10th century BC, and they are the ones who gave Ephesus its name. While the city was subsequently conquered by many different waves of people - including the Lydians, Persians, and Seleucids - the Roman ruins there are have made it a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Romans ruled the city from 129 BC to 395 AD. While it was one of their most important trading centers, in typical Roman fashion there was a lot of building that took place as well. The Great Theater is believed to have been the largest theater in the Roman Empire, holding approximately 25,000 people. Once housing 12,000 scrolls, the interior of the Library of Celsus measures about 1,900 square feet (180 square meters). At least six aqueducts brought water to the city and its many baths.

The site of Ephesus made the list in 2015 because it had been inhabited by so many different cultures, even after the fall of Rome. It has exquisite architecture and artwork, and it played a huge role in the early spread of Christianity.

UNESCO World Heritage Site fact: To be considered for the designation of a World Heritage Site, the location has to be nominated by its host country and then studied by a committee to determine its authenticity and importance. There is a set list of criteria that must be followed.

Answer: Italy

Also called the Divine Coast - which it most certainly is! - the Amalfi Coast includes thirteen municipalities and stretches from the towns of Vietri sul Mari in the north to Positano in the south. It is a beautiful drive, which features a steep shoreline, artistically designed villages, and the blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno. There are vineyards and citrus orchards to see along the way, and many of the villages have exquisite churches to visit. The Amalfi Coast town of Ravello is featured on the cover photo on this quiz.

In 1997 the Amalfi Coast was designated as a World Heritage Site due to its scenic beauty, natural diversity, and the architecture of its towns, many of which have been occupied since medieval times.

UNESCO World Heritage Site fact: There are three different types of sites chosen as World Heritage Sites - cultural, natural, and mixed. The vast majority of sites selected have been cultural.

Answer: Italy

Naples is certainly one of the oldest most continuously occupied cities in Europe. In ancient times its major influence on the area was as a trading port. The Greeks founded Neapolis in 470 BC, but the site had been occupied by older groups of Greeks as early as the 9th century BC, who are credited with spreading their influence to the Romans.

After the fall of the western Roman Empire, Naples served as a capital for many rulers, including the Duchy of Naples (661-1139) and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (1816-1861), up to the time of the unification of Italy. Today it is the third largest city in the country and the capital of the region called Campania.

Naples was chosen to be a World Heritage site in 1995 because of its influence as a trade center of Europe, as well as a cultural center, and its status as one of Europe's oldest cities.

UNESCO World Heritage Site fact: The idea for the World Heritage Site project began in 1954, when Egypt and Sudan asked UNESCO for assistance in moving historical sites to make way for the Aswan High Dam project.

Answer: Italy

The Via Appia is one of ancient Rome's oldest and most important roads. It linked Rome with Brindisi in southern Italy, a distance of 350 miles (563 km). In order to fulfill their plan of the conquest of all of Italy, the ancient Romans needed roads to facilitate communication and the transportation of troops. This was just the beginning of their large network of roads that connected various locations within their empire. Eyewitnesses said that the stones were so well-placed that it actually looked like that had grown into one another.

Even after the fall of the western Roman Empire, the Appian Way continued to be used; in fact, it was still used during the Crusades, by Crusaders traveling south on their way to the Holy Land. Over time, however, parts of it had fallen into disrepair. In the 1700s, Pope Pius VI ordered that a new road be constructed, which was mostly parallel to the old one, although many stretches of the old road have been preserved.

Chosen as a World Heritage site in 2024, the Appian Way was recognized because it is a testimony to the expertise the ancient Romans possessed in engineering, which allowed for the spread of their beliefs and culture. Its presence promoted the growth of urban populations and, along its route, many ancient artifacts such as shrines and temples are visible.

UNESCO World Heritage Site fact: Vatican City is the only country that has 100% of its area recognized as a World Heritage Site. All of Vatican City is recognized, as it falls under two designations - one for Vatican City and another under the Historic Center of Rome designation.

Answer: Germany

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley, also called the Rhine Gorge, has been an important trading area connecting northern and southern Europe for centuries. Today it stretches about 40 miles (65 km) from the Bingen Gate to Oberwesel, according to the UNESCO website. There are still many Old World type villages in existence along the way. In this area alone there are some 40 castles and forts that speak to the importance of protecting such a route. Although many were destroyed during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), some were renovated during the 18th century.

In 2002 the Upper Middle Rhine Valley was chosen as a World Heritage Site due to its importance as a transportation system, and it's evidence of a long history of human settlement, as well as land usage - terraced vineyards - over the centuries.

UNESCO World Heritage Site fact: Sites that are chosen for this honor receive funding to help with conservation if certain requirements are met.

Answer: Germany

Found in Hesse, in the central part of Germany, is our next World Heritage Site, the Messel Pit Fossil Site. It dates to approximately 57 million to 36 million years ago during the Eocene Epoch. Considered to be one of the richest fossil sites in the world, discoveries there have shown the evolution of many types of creatures as the remains were preserved exceptionally well.

This is surprising, considering that before its discovery as a fossil site, the region was the location of first a brown coal mine, and then an oil shale mine. But - consider this! If the mines hadn't been there, the fossils might not have been discovered! Even though fossils were discovered there in 1900, it was not until the oil shale mine closed in 1971, and some other proposed projects for the site fell through, that the area was reserved for scientific research in 1991.

It was chosen as a World Heritage Site because it is the "single best" Eocene site, which allows for "high quality scientific work".

UNESCO World Heritage Site fact: At any time, the boundaries of a World Heritage Site can be modified; they can be expanded or reduced, as in the case of Bagrati Cathedral in Georgia. At first the site consisted of both a monastery and cathedral, but later the cathedral was removed. In addition, sites can be removed from the list as well.

Answer: Germany

Because the name Weimar is familiar, you may recognize it as the name of a German city; however, what does Classical Weimar mean?

The credit for the creation of Classical Weimar goes to Duchess Anna Amalia, who not only asked important writers to come there to tutor her sons, but also invited the Seyler Theatre Company, considered to be the best in Germany, to perform. Weimar became the place for writers and philosophers to go, and with them came a new type of humanism, the Sturm and Drang movement. Eventually, both Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller came to live there, beginning a movement that is called Classical Weimar today.

The town was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1998 because of its architecture and its role as the center of culture for the Germany writers of the time.

UNESCO World Heritage Site fact: If a site is threatened, it may be placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger. This could happen due to any number of reasons, including natural disasters, pollution, or war.

Answer: France

Mont Saint-Michel is part of the Normandy commune in France. The first monastery constructed there was in the 8th century, however, the complex seen there today is mostly from the eleven to sixteenth centuries.

Located on a tidal island, Mont Saint-Michel has been protected by water for centuries. When the tide is low, people can walk to the abbey, however, they most return by the time the tide begins to rise, or risk being stranded. The island is so secure that it was unconquered during the Hundred Years War, and, at one time, was even used as a prison.

It was chosen as a World Heritage site in 1979 due to its importance as a site of medieval Christianity and its natural beauty.

UNESCO World Heritage Site fact: While only 7 sites were selected for the honor in 1989, a whopping 61 sites were selected in 2000.

Answer: France

Built from 1220-c. 1270, the Amiens Cathedral, located in the Picardy region of France, remains one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in France. It is so large that it would fit two Notre Dames! Because it was built so quickly, unlike most others, it has a continuity of design that is unmatched.

Unfortunately, many of its relics were damaged during the French Revolution. A renovation project commenced in 1802, which replaced many of its priceless statues, however, much of the stained glass was destroyed during WWI and an accidental fire in 1920.

The Amiens Cathedral was chosen as a World Heritage Site in 1981 because of its own beautiful Gothic architecture and its influence on later Gothic designs.

UNESCO World Heritage Site fact: The World Heritage Convention was the international agreement signed on November 23, 1972, which established World Heritage Sites. Its purpose is to help direct the work of the World Heritage Committee.

Answer: France

About 150 miles (240 km) in length, the Canal du Midi is considered to be one of the most important sites built in 17th century France. Located in southern France, it connects the Garonne River to a series of lagoons called the Étang de Thau on the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, it connects to the Atlantic Ocean through its joining of the Canal des Deux Mers.

After numerous failed attempts, the Canal du Midi was constructed from 1666-1681, with the hopes of developing the wheat trade. It was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1996 due to its importance as an engineering feat that furthered France's development during the Industrial Revolution, and the way it almost flawlessly blends with the natural landscape of the area.

UNESCO World Heritage Site fact: In 2024, Italy, China, and Spain led the list of countries with the most World Heritage Sites.

Answer: Spain

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín are located on hills that comprise the medieval Moorish quarter of Granada, Spain. While there have been other historical settlements on Sabika Hill, the Alhambra is by far the most glorious. Its construction began in 1238; at that time the area was part of the Nasrid Emirate of Granada, the last Muslim dynasty on the Iberian Peninsula. Over time, the complex contained public baths, mosques, workshops, homes, and at least six palaces.

Since its construction, the are has continuously been inhabited, which has contributed to its preservation. It is the only medieval Muslim palatine city to still exist, and still pays tribute to its Moorish architecture. For these reasons it was chosen as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

UNESCO World Heritage Site fact: World Heritage Sites are spread over five geographic regions, including Africa, Arab states, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and North American, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Answer: Spain

The Tower of Hercules, built by the ancient Romans near present day Galacia, is the oldest known Roman lighthouse in existence. Standing at 180 feet (55 m) sources, such as Paulus Orosius (c. 375-420), date the structure to sometime during the 1st century AD; some believe it was built during the reign of Trajan (98-117 AD). Its design was based on the more famous Lighthouse of Alexandria. In 1788 a renovation made the the lighthouse taller.

Chosen by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 2009, the committee cited the continuous use of the Tower of Hercules over time, as well as the evidence it provides of the Atlantic trade route, established by the Romans, and still in existence today.

UNESCO World Heritage Site fact: The five regions where World Heritage Sites can be found are Africa,

Answer: Spain

Garajonay National Park is located on the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands off the coast of Spain. It is well-known for its laurel forest and its unique diversity of other plants and animals. Named after the Garajonay rock formation, which is its highest point, the island also has springs and streams. It is visited annually by an estimated 450,000 tourists, and has a variety of hiking trails for them to enjoy.

The Garajonay National park was named as a World Heritage Site in 1986 because of its "laurisilva" trees, and other endemic plants and animals.

UNESCO World Heritage Site fact: A driving force behind the establishment of World Heritage Sites is the preservation of the area for future generations.