Tom True Tours the World Trivia Quiz

Answer: Hadrian's Wall

The construction of Hadrian's Wall began in 122 AD, and continued for approximately six years. The wall was about 73 miles in length, and the width and height varied depending on the materials that were used.
Besides serving as a military fortification, it is believed that the numerous gates may have served as customs posts.
Despite a popular misconception, Hadrian's Wall lies completely within England. In fact, in the east it is 68 miles south of the Scottish border.

Answer: Stonehenge

Stonehenge is located in the county of Wiltshire, and is a mere eight miles from Salisbury. It is located at the center of several hundred burial mounds, and is believed to have been erected around 2500 BC.
Until 1977, it was possible to walk among - and touch - the stones, but since then, access has been restricted. It is still possible to gain access during the winter and summer solstice, and by special arrangement year round.
In the 1985 film 'European Vacation', Clark Griswold manages to back his car into a monolith, and knock down Stonehenge like a giant domino set.

Answer: The Grand Place

The Grand Place is also known as Grote Markt, and is surrounded by guildhalls, the town hall and the King's House. It was bombarded in 1695 by the French, and essentially leveled, with only a small bit of the town hall and a few other buildings remaining. Rebuilt by the guilds over the next few years, the square was again heavily damaged by revolutionaries in the late 18th century.

A century later, Mayor Charles Buls had the square restored to its former glory. The Flower Carpet - which is crafted from approximately a million begonias - is a tradition that began in 1971, and is held only in even years. Each time, the design is unique, and a highly guarded secret.

Answer: Neuschwanstein Castle

After demolishing the ruins of two previous castles, construction of Neuschwanstein Castle commenced in 1869. At the time of King Ludwig's death in 1886, construction on the castle had not been completed. In the end, only about 15 out of 200 rooms and halls were completed. Unlike a 'real' castle, Neuschwanstein was built more as an ideal knight's castle, and real fortifications were not a part of the castle's construction.

Answer: Van Gogh Museum

Completed in 1973, the Van Gogh Museum houses a permanent collection which includes 'The Potato Eaters', 'The Yellow House' 'Wheatfield with Crows' and many more. The main museum was refurbished, and in June of 1999, a new annex was opened to the public, providing more room to display the hundreds of paintings, drawings and letters that are housed within.

Answer: Alhambra

The Alhambra - which translates as 'the red one' or 'the red fortress' - was built during the middle of the 14th century by the Moorish rulers of the Emirate of Granada. Most of the buildings in the fortress/palace complex are quadrangles, and because of the ongoing construction over the centuries, many are placed in odd juxtaposition to others. Tiled pools, fountains, lacy filigree, marble colonnades, calligraphic artwork and arabesques are just a few of the visual components of the Alhambra. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2007 was voted one of the 12 Treasures of Spain.

Answer: Romania

Prince Vlad Dracula of Walachia was known for his ruthless cruelty, including his penchant for having his enemies impaled alive, but not for drinking blood. There is no proof that the prince ever lived at Bran Castle, yet thanks to Bram Stoker's classic fantasy, the castle is a Transylvanian landmark. It is now a museum, and may be explored by guided tour or on one's own.

Answer: La Scala

In 1776, the Teatro Regio Ducale was destroyed in a fire, and a request for a new opera house was put forth by ninety wealthy Milanese. The church of Santa Maria della Scala was deconsecrated and razed, and over the next two years 'La Scala' was built on the church's former ground. The building expenses were covered by the sale of private boxes.
La Scala is one of the foremost opera and ballet theaters in the world, and one of Milan's best known landmarks.

Answer: Acropolis

The Parthenon, the Propylaea and the Temple of Athena Nike are just a few of the archaeological remains located on the Acropolis of Athens. A restoration project began in 1975, in hopes of reversing - or at least slowing - the decay of past centuries. It rises 490 feet above sea level, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered to be the best known acropolis in the world.

Answer: The Hermitage

Located in St. Petersburg, the Hermitage is one of the oldest - and largest - museums in the world. Actually comprised of six buildings - and the surrounding grounds - it was established in 1764 by Catherine the Great. Originally, only the Small Hermitage housed the museum's treasures. Now, out of the six buildings, four are partially open to visitors. Located on the Neva River, the Palace Embankment also includes the Winter Palace as part of the museum complex.