X Marks the Spot Online Trivia | Europe

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. This X marks a port in Southern France. It is the second largest city in France and has been a major port since 600 BC. The entrance to the old port is guarded by two forts, Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Jean. Where in France has the X been placed?

Answer: Marseilles

Marseilles was founded by colonists that came from the Greek city of Phocaea in Asia Minor. Marseilles is one of the largest cargo handling ports in Europe. The city lies in the Provence-Alpes-C�te d'Azur region of France and it is the second largest, in terms of population, in the country. Brest, Le Havre and Calais are ports in Northern France.

2. This X marks a city in the South Moravian region of the Czech Republic. Some of the attractions of the city are the Spilberk castle, the Moravska gallery, an astronomical clock in black stone, the Parnas fountain and a huge exhibition centre. Another useful clue is that a famous machine gun was named after this city and Enfield in England. Where in the Czech Republic has the X been placed?

Answer: Brno

Brno started life as a fortified settlement. In the 11th century a castle was built there and Brno was made one of the centres of Moravia. The city is first mentioned in 1091. Spilberk castle sits on top of a hill and dates back to the 13th century. The astronomical clock can be found in the main square of Brno that is called Namesti Svobody, the Parnas fountain is situated in the Zelny square and it is a fine example of baroque architecture and the Moraska gallery is a museum of applied arts. The name of the machine gun built jointly in Brno and Enfield is the Bren gun. Prague is the capital of Czech Republic and it is excluded from the search by default. Karlovy Vary and Liberec can be found in the North East of the republic close to the border with Germany.

3. This X marks a city in the Styria region of Southern Austria. The old part of this city was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1999. Some of the attractions of the old city are the site of a demolished fortress called Schlossberg (Castle Hill) where one can see the Uhrturm clocktower. The hill is serviced by Schlossbergbahn which is a funicular railway. Another attraction is the Landeszeughaus which houses the world's largest collection of armoury. Where in Austria has the X been placed?

Answer: Graz

The area around Graz was settled during the copper age but the city itself first appears to be inhabited during the 12th century. Another impressive building in the old town is the Landhaus which was used by the rulers of the area. Graz is the second largest city in Austria and has six universities the oldest having been built in the 16th century. Linz, Salzburg and Wels are located in the north east part of Austria.

4. This X marks a port city in the Peloponnese area of Greece. The city is the centre of commerce between Greece and Italy. The city is well known for its annual carnival celebrations and parade. Traditionally St. Andrew, the apostle, was crucified here on an X shaped cross. Where in Greece has the X been placed?

Answer: Patras

Patras is the chief city of the Achaea region of Greece. Patras has a history that goes back more than 4000 years. The city was built by Patreus who came from the Laconia area of Peloponnese. It became an important port during the Roman times. The visitor can see, among others, the Roman Odeon, the medieval castle, the Roman amphitheater, the church of St. Andrew and the Patras lighthouse which is the symbol of the city. Patras is the third largest Greek city in terms of population.

Thessaloniki, Alexandroupoli and Kavala are cities in Northern Greece.

5. This X marks a port city in the Campania area of Italy. This city has been continuously inhabited since the Bronze Age. People with volcanophobia and or atephobia should avoid visiting this city. The city's name is a bit if an oxymoron because it means new city. Where in Italy has the X been placed?

Answer: Naples

Naples' historic city centre is a UNESCO world heritage site. One can visit castles, churches, palaces, museums, squares, parks and villas. Some of the notable sights are Castel Nuovo, Royal palace, the archaeological museum which boasts the largest collection of Roman artefacts in the world, the art gallery with a collection of Renaissance paintings and the cathedral of Naples.

The Italian name of the city is Napoli which comes from the Greek Neapolis(new city). The city is very close to the volcano Vesuvius and cities destroyed by Vesuvius like Pompeii and Herculaneum are very close to the city. Naples is the third largest city in Italy. Genoa, Venice and Milan are cities in the north of Italy.

6. This X marks a city in the Bavaria region of Southern Germany. You shouldn't have any problems identifying this city provided of course that you like beers and festivals. The German name of the city means by the monks and it is reflected in the coat of arms of the city which features a monk. Where in Germany has the X been placed?

Answer: Munich

The city of Munchen (Munich) is dated from the 12th century and grew next to a Benedictine monastery. The city lies on the banks of the river Isar. During WW2 the city was a major air bombing target and most of the historical buildings were destroyed.

After the war a lot of the historical building were restored and now form part of the attractions that the city has to offer the visitor. The famous Oktoberfest is held annually during the last part of September and early October. The city is the third largest in Germany. Munster, Hamburg and Hanover are cities in north Germany.

7. This X marks a port city in northwest Belgium. The city is on the confluence of the rivers Scheldt and Leie. The medieval part of the city is largely intact and the visitor can admire the architecture without the hindrance of cars because this part of the city is car free. Saint Bravo cathedral, Gravensteen castle, the belfry and the museum voor Schone Kunsten are some of the highlights of the city. Where in Belgium has the X been placed?

Answer: Ghent

The city, rich in medieval history, has a lot to offer the visitor. Gravensteen (the castle of the Counts) overlooks the city, the "Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by the Van Eyck brothers is the highlight of the Saint Bravo cathedral, the Belfry is the symbol of the city and you can get to see magnificent views of the city from the Saint Michael's Bridge.

The other three options are all south of Ghent and are not ports.

8. This X marks a city in the South Holland province of the Netherlands. Most of the foreign embassies in the country are located here. The International Court of Justice is also based in the city. Where in the Netherlands has the X been placed?

Answer: The Hague

Den Haag (The Hague) was established in the 13th century. It started as a hunting lodge which later was turned into a palace. A village was built around the palace which gradually became one of the largest cities in the country. Although the city is the seat of the government it is not the capital of the country.

It is the third largest city in the Netherlands. Eindhoven, Tilburg and Breda are all in the North Brabant province.

9. This X marks a port city on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. The city lies on the banks of the Turia river and it is one of the oldest cities in Spain. It was settled in 138 BC by the Romans. You can visit the cathedral, towers and castles and if you like food, paella originated here. It also lends its name to a very sweet fruit. Where in Spain has the X been placed?

Answer: Valencia

The cathedral of Valencia was declared sacred in 1238 and it is dedicated to the Holy Virgin. Sights worth visiting are the Torres de Serranos (Serranos Towers) one of the gates that led into the city, Llotja de la Seda (The Silk Exchange) built to house the merchants dealing in silk and the modern City of Arts and Sciences. Valencia is famed for its oranges and it is the third largest city in Spain. Santander and Bilbao are on the Atlantic coast of northern Spain and Cadiz on the Atlantic coast in southern Spain.

10. This X marks a port city on the Black Sea in Bulgaria. The city became a port when the Greeks built one in 555 BC. The city boasts the oldest gold treasure in the world which can be viewed in the city's museum. The port serves both commercial and naval ships.

Answer: Varna

In Varna, apart from the archaeological museum, you can visit the cathedral of the city dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin, the dolphinarium and the ancient Roman Baths. There is also a festival and congress centre and a palace of culture and sports.

The gold found in a necropolis consisted of over 3000 items with a total weight of six kilos. Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria. All other options are inland Bulgarian cities.

Source: Author gme24

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor spanishliz before going online.
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X Marks the Spot Trivia Quiz

Ten X's have been placed on a map of Europe. Your mission is to visit each and every one by solving the clues provided for you. One thing to bear in mind is that capital cities are not included in this mission.

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