Hardest Great Gothic Churches of Europe Trivia Quiz | World

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. The Gothic Cathedral in Paris is the most famous in the world. Victor Hugo's 1831 novel uses it as centerpiece, and at least five silent films and five films from the sound era have been made of the story. Although many fine actors have played the role of the Cathedral's bell-ringer Quasimodo, Charles Laughton 1939 is most remembered. What is the name of this Cathedral?

Answer: Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame, meaning our lady, began construction in 1163 and was completed in 1345. It has survived a lot, such as World War II bombing, but was damaged by Huguenots in religious fervor and by the anti-religion elements of the French Revolution. Its famous bells are now rung electrically so Quasimodo would be out of a job today.

2. Geoffrey Chaucer wrote of a group of pilgrims heading toward Canterbury Cathedral in a collection of stories entitled "The Canterbury Tales". In what language was it written?

Answer: Middle English

Old English is generally defined as from the 5th century to the 11th and is exemplified in the poem Beowulf. Running from that time until about the 15th century is Middle English as defined by Chaucer and others, and Shakespeare is the water mark of modern English. The following is the opening of "The Canterbury Tales" in middle English:

"Whan that Aprill wt his shoures soote,
The droghte of March, hath perced to the roote;
And bathed euery veyne in swich lycour,
Of which vertu engendred is the flour..."

And in Modern English:

"When in April the sweet showers fall
And pierce the drought of March to the root, and all
The veins are bathed in liquor of such power
As brings about the engendering of the flower..."

Canterbury is a microcosm of English history. Excavations have uncovered Roman and Norman influences prior to evolving into its classic Gothic style in the 12th century. It was regarded as the center of the church in England and its Archbishop was second only to the King in power and influence.

3. "Murder in the Cathedral", a poetic drama, relates how Henry II arranges the assassination of his former friend, Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. Who wrote this 1935 play?

Answer: T.S. Eliot

An angry off-hand remark by Henry II sent four henchmen to Canterbury to assault and kill Thomas Becket while he knelt in prayer. Rome made Becket a saint because he was uncompromising in defending the faith.

4. Charles Dickens left an unfinished novel "The Mystery of Edwin Drood". What is the name of the fictional Cathedral that plays a key part of the novel?

Answer: Cloisterham Cathedral

Because Dickens completed only six of twelve promised chapters, it has developed into something of a cottage industry to solve the mystery as Dickens might have wanted. One attempt to complete was by a printer who claimed to be visited by the 'spirit' of Dickens and was thus inspired.

At least two silent film versions were made but are now lost. Two more were in the sound era. One starred Claude Rains in 1935 and Robert Powell in the 1993 version. The details and structure of Cloisterham mirror the elements of Gothic architecture.

5. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres is regarded as the finest example of Gothic architecture. What is unique about the floor that has become a center of religious significance?

Answer: A labyrinth

Although the labyrinth is seldom walked today, to medieval Christians it carried two meanings. It can be walked as a pilgrimage to renew faith or a substitute for a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. As repentance the pilgrims must walk on their knees. The eleven-circuit labyrinth circles around the floor of Chartres.

6. In 1966 "Winchester Cathedral" hit number one on the billboard charts selling more than three million single records. What was the name of this 'one hit wonder' band?

Answer: New Vaudeville Band

Because the record was made with studio musicians, the group never really existed. Invitations to tour did not work out. Some of the effects on the record were made using a 'Rudy Vallee' type megaphone.

7. Which European Cathedral is regarded as the oldest example of Gothic architecture?

Answer: Abbey Church of St. Denis

St. Denis Cathedral of Paris is believed the oldest example of Gothic architecture. It might be described as a 'seam' between the Romanesque and the Gothic. It is the burial place of many French royalty.

The date of beginning construction of St. Denis is 1122, followed by Canterbury 1174, Alcobaca 1178, and Liege 1189.

8. What is the single distinguishing characteristic of a Gothic arch?

Answer: The Gothic arch is pointed

The equilateral arch, the flamboyant arch, the depressed arch, and the lancet arch are all adaptations of the classic pointed arch. It will vary according to location, theme, and overall design of the cathedral.

The flamboyant arch has four points, the depressed arch is generally much wider, lancets are narrow, and the equilateral tries to keep the design in proportion.

9. In describing Gothic Cathedrals, four terms are used to not only describe but to define the Gothic style. Which of these is not one of them?

Answer: Horizontal Emphasis

There is not a horizontal emphasis per se but only that it be proportional to the vertical emphasis.

Towers and spires are characteristic of Gothic churches, the number and positioning being one of the variables in Gothic architecture.

Light is another Gothic characteristic, exemplified by tall vertical panes of stained glass.

Majesty refers mostly to the facade which is designed to lure the visitor into a feeling of awe.

10. Decoration is an integral part of Gothic Cathedrals. What are the three primary ways of illustrating the religious significance and the portrayal of biblical events?

Answer: Statues, stained glass, and murals

With some exceptions, a displays of biblical characters, biblical events, and saints are expressed through statues, stained glass, and murals.

Source: Author Rehaberpro

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor stedman before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

Great Gothic Churches of Europe Quiz

This quiz is in response to an author's challenge. I hope it is not as imposing as it sounds. Good luck!

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