An Entertaining Romp Through European Capitals Quiz

Answer: Spain

'Don Quixote' regularly features on Top 100 book lists (Norwegian Nobel Institute, 2002) and is recognised as the first modern novel ('The Conversation', 2018). The phrase 'tilting at windmills' describes the main character's attempt to challenge windmills in the mistaken belief that they are actually giants.

Answer: The Spanish Riding School

All answers are the names of 'The big four' riding academies which in turn are based in various European cities.

The Spanish Riding School was named for the Spanish heritage of the horses which helped form the basis of the Lipizzaner breed.

The Cadre Noir is the name given to the instructors at the French military riding academy École Nationale d'Équitation at Saumur. Based in western France, it was founded in 1828. It also performs as an equestrian display team. Its name comes from the black uniforms worn.

The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art is perhaps the oldest, with its roots dating back to 1438 when King Duarte I published a riding manual.

The Royal Andalusian School is the youngest, founded in 1973 to help preserve the traditions of the Andalusian region.

Answer: Danube

'Blue Danube' was written by Johann Strauss II in 1866. Strauss performed an orchestral version at the Paris World Fair in 1867.

All other rivers flow through other European countries. The Thames through London; the Seine through Paris; the Rhine through Germany.

Answer: Franz Liszt

Liszt was a virtuoso piano player as well asa talented and prolific composer, and is also credited with developing the symphonic poem. His Rhapsodies are influenced by melodies he heard, which were often played by Roma or Romany bands.

He was a contemporary with Saint-Saens, Chopin, Wagner, Berlioz and Grieg amongst others.

Answer: Queen

'Bohemian Rhapsody' was nearly six minutes in length, unusual for a song at this time. It has featured in 'Wayne's World', and also became the title of the biopic of Queen's singer, Freddy Mercury, released in 2018. Freddie Mercury's performance of the song was voted as the top vocal performance in history by "Rolling Stone" magazine in 2012.

All other choices are well known and influential UK groups.

Answer: Waterloo Sunset

'Waterloo Sunset' was voted no 42 of the 500 best songs of all time by 'Rolling Stone' magazine. The song name checks the Thames and Waterloo station. Terry and Julie who are featured in the song may or may not be actors Terence Stamp and Julie Christie.

All other songs listed are also by The Kinks.

Answer: ABBA

ABBA was formed in 1972, but it was the Eurovision Song Contest of 1974 which helped them reach fame around the world. 'Waterloo' was voted as the best song in Eurovision history in 2005, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the contest.

The Battle of Waterloo in 1815 led to the final defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte, who abdicated four days later. It is commemorated by the English, with Waterloo Station in London being named for this battle.

Answer: Tintin

'Tintin' was first published in 1929 and featured the eponymous hero, with his dog, Snowy. He is featured in statues and artwork around the city of Brussels. Herge himself has a museum created in his honour, just outside Brussels.

Our favourite blue friends, the Smurfs, were also created by a Belgian cartoonist, Peyo. They are also featured in Brussels.

The Mannequin Pis, is a famous statue in Brussels, featuring a small boy urinating. He is regularly costumed (having approximately 1000 to choose from).

The Atomium is a famous sculpture dating from the 1958 Brussels World Fair.

Answer: Asterix

'Asterix' was loosely set during the time of Julius Caesar. He has a series of adventures which take him all through Europe. As of 2009, the series had been translated into over 111 languages and dialects. 34 volumes were produced by either Goscinny and/or Uderzo. Uderzo came out of retirement in 2015 to produce two 'Asterix' cartoons supporting the murdered Charlie Hebdo employees.

A theme park featuring Asterix and his friends was opened in 1989, north of Paris. Asterix also features in 18 films, 15 board games, 40 video games, and was the name of the first French satellite.

Answer: Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge opened in 1889, the same year the Eiffel Tower was completed. The Moulin Rouge takes its name from the red windmill on its roof. It is also known as the birthplace of the 'can- can' dance. The Moulin Rouge is a cabaret performance, featuring music, song and dance in the nightclub venue.

The movie, 'Moulin Rouge!' was released in 2001, featuring the story of one of its performers, Satine.

Pierrot is a character of pantomime, usually with the persona of a sad clown.