Photo Tour: Landmarks of Germany Quiz

Cologne Cathedral, located in Cologne, Germany, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. Its construction began in 1248 and continued for several centuries, with final completion in 1880. One of its most significant relics is the Shrine of the Three Kings, said to contain the remains of the biblical Magi. These relics were taken by Frederick Barbarossa and later housed in the cathedral, making it a significant pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages.

During World War II, Cologne Cathedral suffered significant damage due to Allied bombing raids. However, the cathedral's basic structure miraculously survived, and its restoration efforts began soon after the war's end. Today, Cologne Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding architectural significance and cultural value.

Construction of the Reichstag began in 1884 and was completed in 1894. Its architectural style is characterized as Neo-Renaissance, featuring elements reminiscent of Italian Renaissance architecture. The Reichstag played a significant role in the unification of Germany in 1871, as it became the seat of the German Empire's parliament. Prior to World War II, the Reichstag suffered severe damage due to arson only four weeks after Adolf Hitler was declared chancellor. He used the pretext of the fire to claim communists were attacking the German government.

After the war, the building lay in ruins until the post-war division of Germany during the Cold War. Following German reunification in 1990, the Reichstag was extensively restored, and its iconic glass dome was added as a symbol of transparency and democracy. Today, the Reichstag houses the German Bundestag (parliament) and stands as a symbol of Germany's turbulent history and its commitment to democracy and unity.

Neuschwanstein Castle, located in Bavaria, Germany, was constructed in the 19th century and is a prime example of Romantic architecture. Its construction began in 1869 under the reign of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who had a deep passion for the operas of Richard Wagner. The castle was intended to be a homage to Wagner's works and served as a retreat for the reclusive king. Christian Jank and Eduard Riedel were the architects responsible for the castle's design, drawing inspiration from medieval European castles and incorporating artistic elements from Wagner's operas.

During World War II, the castle was used as a depot for Nazi plunder that was looted from France, raising significant controversy in later years. Today, Neuschwanstein Castle remains one of Germany's most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually with its fairytale-like appearance and stunning mountainous surroundings.

Marienplatz is a central square located in the heart of Munich, Germany. Its construction dates back to the Middle Ages, with origins tracing to the 12th century. The architectural style of Marienplatz is a mix of various periods, ranging from Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque influences. In the Middle Ages, the square served as a marketplace and the center of civic life in Munich.

One of its prominent features is the Glockenspiel, a famous clock tower located on the New Town Hall. The Glockenspiel performs at specific times during the day, depicting scenes from Munich's history and a jousting tournament. Another notable landmark is Mary's Column, a Marian column erected in the 17th century as a symbol of the city's devotion to the Virgin Mary.

The Berlin TV Tower, also known as the Fernsehturm, had its construction begun in 1965 and was completed in 1969. The architectural style of the TV Tower is often associated with the East German modernist architecture of the time, showcasing a cylindrical concrete tower with a spherical observation deck at the top. During the Cold War, the tower served as a symbol of Communist power in East Berlin and was intended to demonstrate the superiority of East German engineering and technology.

Today, the Berlin TV Tower is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. The tower houses a revolving restaurant, making it a memorable dining experience for locals and tourists alike. An intriguing phenomenon, in which the sun shines on the tower in the shape of a Greek cross, is called the "Pope's Revenge". Since the government had previously removed crosses from churches in East Germany, the cross appearing daily as the rays of light hit the tower was perhaps a bit of solace for the religiously-inclined.

The Bastei Bridge, located in Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany, was constructed in 1851. The bridge spans across the dramatic rock formations known as the Bastei, which rise majestically above the Elbe River. The rock formations and the surrounding landscape are a result of centuries of natural erosion, creating an awe-inspiring setting for the bridge.

The Bastei Bridge is an impressive feat of engineering, connecting the otherwise inaccessible rocky outcrop to the mainland. Its inaccessibility adds to the allure, as visitors must navigate winding pathways and steep stairs to reach the bridge, making the experience more adventurous and rewarding. The Bastei Bridge has inspired many artists and writers, including the renowned German Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich, who featured the dramatic cliffs in his paintings, capturing the sublime beauty of the natural world.

Heidelberg Castle, located in Heidelberg, Germany, is a historic ruin, with its earliest construction dating back to the 13th century. The castle is an exquisite example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and despite its impressive past, Heidelberg Castle fell into ruin after suffering repeated damage during various wars and conflicts. One of the most significant events in its history was the siege it endured during the Thirty Years War, which led to extensive destruction and left the castle in ruins.

Over the years, Heidelberg Castle has attracted numerous visitors, including the famous French writer Victor Hugo, who expressed admiration for its grandeur. Additionally, the influential theologian Martin Luther once visited the castle, being regaled by Wolfgang of the Palatinate, a nobleman from the House of Wittelsbach.

The Brandenburg Gate, situated in Berlin, Germany, was constructed between 1788 and 1791 under the orders of King Frederick William II of Prussia. The architectural style of the gate is Neoclassical, featuring six Doric columns supporting a grand entablature and a chariot statue on top. Frederick William II commissioned the gate to serve as a triumphal arch, symbolizing peace and unity following the conclusion of Prussian war campaigns.

During the Napoleonic Wars, Napoleon Bonaparte's forces seized the Brandenburg Gate in 1806 as a symbol of victory, only to return it to Berlin in 1814 following his defeat. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Brandenburg Gate became associated with German nationalism, as it became a symbol of Prussian and later German unity.

During the Nazi era, the gate was extensively used as a backdrop for Nazi propaganda, with the party's iconic swastika flags displayed prominently on the structure. After World War II, the Brandenburg Gate became a potent symbol of the division of Germany, standing in the no man's land between East and West Berlin. Following the reunification of Germany in 1990, the Brandenburg Gate has become a symbol of peace, unity, and the hope for a peaceful and united Europe.

The Geierlay suspension bridge, located in Mörsdorf, Germany, was constructed in 2015. The bridge showcases a modern architectural style, designed to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings of the Hunsrück region. The Geierlay suspension bridge spans an impressive length of 360 meters (1,181 feet) and hangs 100 meters (328 feet) above the Mörsdorfer Bach, a scenic river flowing beneath it.

Visitors from around the world come to experience the thrill of crossing the Geierlay bridge, though it is believed that up to 20% of visitors decide not to make the trek across. The bridge has traditionally been free to access; however, a small fee was charged during the start of the coronavirus pandemic. That fee has since been removed, and the bridge is once more free to cross.

Berlin Cathedral was constructed between 1894 and 1905. The architectural style of the cathedral is primarily neo-Renaissance, characterized by its imposing dome, grand facade, and ornate decorations. The cathedral served as the court church of the Prussian royal family, the House of Hohenzollern, making it their final resting place.

Berlin Cathedral has a rich religious history, having witnessed significant events in German Protestantism. It became an influential center for the Protestant church and played a vital role in shaping the religious landscape of Germany. During World War II, Berlin Cathedral suffered severe damage from Allied bombing raids, with its dome and parts of the structure being destroyed. However, extensive restoration efforts in the post-war years restored it to its former glory.

The Römer building complex, located in the Romerberg plaza, has a fascinating history dating back to the 14th century. Originally serving as a guildhall, it later became Frankfurt's city hall. The complex comprises three main buildings, including the Old Town Hall, the New Town Hall, and the Imperial Hall.

During World War II, the Romerberg plaza and its buildings suffered significant destruction from Allied bombing raids. However, post-war reconstruction efforts meticulously restored the square and its historic buildings to their former splendor. Today, the Romerberg plaza remains a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its beautiful architecture and rich historical significance.

The construction of Eltz Castle dates back to the 12th century. The castle is a prime example of medieval architecture, featuring a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. Over the centuries, Eltz Castle remained virtually unscathed and survived its only major attack when local feuding lords attempted bombardment of the castle with primitive pot-de-fer cannons, doing little damage.

Eltz Castle has been preserved throughout the years by the Eltz family, who still reside in the castle to this day. Preservation efforts have ensured that the castle remains in excellent condition, allowing visitors to experience a genuine medieval castle in its original state. Eltz Castle's cultural and architectural significance is so esteemed that it was featured on the 500-deutschmark banknote in Germany during the late 20th century.