My Trip of Europe, Pt. 2 Trivia Quiz

Answer: Granada

The Alhambra is the most famous site in Granada and perhaps one of the most famous and important landmarks in all of Spain. Built in AD 889 as a small fortress on a hill overlooking the city, it was rebuilt into a fortress and citadel in the 13th century by the Islamic rulers, as Spain was ruled by the Moorish at the time. Though it lay abandoned for centuries after the expulsion of the Moors, it has been renovated since the 19th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

As for Granada itself, being an old city, it is chock full of old buildings and monuments. My personal highlight was the Monastery of St. Jerome, which contains a spectacular altarpiece, and every wall is covered in paintings depicting biblical scenes.

Answer: Zaragoza

Known as Caesaraugusta during the Roman period, Zaragaoza is the capital of Aragon and sits on either side of the Ebro River. There are four museums dedicated to its Roman heritage, taking in the ancient port, forum, baths and theatre.

Answer: Andorra

Officially known as the 'Principality of the Valleys of Andorra', Andorra is the sixth smallest state in Europe and is known as a 'microstate'. Liechtenstein, Monaco, Malta, Vatican City and San Marino are the other microstates of Europe.

It is a popular destination for those who like the snow in the winter or for those who like outdoor living, such as hiking, in the summer. The capital, Andorra la Vella, is tiny and popular with tourists due to tax free shopping.

Answer: Tolosa

The inner city streets of Toulouse still follow the ancient city streets of Tolosa. After numerous invasions due to its prominent position near the Pyrenees, it joined the Kingdom of France in the 13th Century.

Toulouse is now a popular destination for numerous reasons. Two are for its links to aviation, as Airbus is located nearby, and to the space industry, as the Cité de l'Espace. If those don't interest you, the old city streets are perfect to stroll along, and the Toulouse Capitole is a great place to spend an evening.

Answer: Avignon

For nearly seventy years in the 14th Century, Avignon was the home of the Papacy, where seven successive popes called Avignon, and not the Vatican, home. The city remained under control of the Papacy until the French Revolution. The Palais des Papes remains standing, though the building is practically empty nowadays.

Avignon is also the perfect base to explore southern France, including Nimes and Arles, that are both heavily influenced by the Romans, including well preserved amphitheatres, and also the Pont du Gard, one of the most well preserved Roman aqueducts in Europe.

Answer: Promenade des Anglais

Considering the history between the French and English, at least prior to the 20th Century, I did find it rather amusing that the major road along the beachfront was known as the 'Promenade des Anglais'. There is a story behind it, regarding its construction by English ex-pats, and most locals simply called it 'La Prom'. During my time, I walked along it each day as my Airbnb was some distance from the city centre.

Otherwise, Nice is a popular destination for people around Europe during summer, thanks to the constant sunshine, cold water and generally friendly locals. Be mindful it can be mightily expensive though!

Answer: Porto Venere

If you are ever in this part of Italy, make sure you visit Cinque Terre. During summer, it can be incredibly busy. You can hike, take the train, or drive (if you're crazy enough!) between each village. The scenery is stunning, whether the water or the forests encompassing the region, and the villages are picture postcards, each of them famous around the world.

I walked between two of the villages and the scenery was spectacular. I rewarded myself with a beer at the end and was amazed at how cheap it was, from a shop. Be wary when eating or drinking in a restaurant. Prices can be extortionate!

Answer: Arno

From its source of Mount Falterona, the Arno River is 241 kilometres long, flowing between Florence, Empoli and Pisa before emptying into the Tyrrhenian Sea.

As for Pisa, everyone heads to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles). A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is home most of the interests in Pisa, including the tower, the cathedral, the baptistery, and the cemetery.

Pisa is a good base to visit Florence by train, home to sites such as the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. You can also visit the often overlooked city of Lucca, which I can only recommend.

Answer: Ferrari

Ferrari is synonymous with Maranello, and Enzo Ferrari was born and raised in Modena. For those who love Ferrari, Modena is a good place to start, as the home of Enzo Ferrari had been turned into a museum, in which you'll find some of the greatest cars built by Ferrari. In addition to the factory at Maranello, there is an enormous museum where enthusiasts can see numerous production and racing cars of Ferrari since the company was first formed, and those lucky enough may even be able to visit the factory.

In addition to Modena and Maranello, a visit to Bologna is also a must, as is a climb of the Torre degli Asinelli, which provided spectacular views of Bologna though the nearly 500 steps to the top can leave you breathless, particularly if you don't like heights!

Answer: Verona

Verona is a perfect base in north-eastern Italy to explore, but Verona itself also has numerous sites to visit, including the old Roman amphitheatre, numerous cathedrals and museums, and for those who enjoyed the work of Shakespeare, you can even visit Casa di Guiliette (Juliet's House) and Juliet's Tomb.

Verona is also an hour's train ride from Venice. I don't think I have to say too much about that, I'm simply glad I saw it all with my own eyes.