World Heritage Sights Trivia Quiz

Answer: Belize Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia Barrier Reef are located in the southernmost regions of the world (Australia/Melanesia). Pulley Ridge Reef can be found off the Florida mainland.

The Belize Barrier Reef is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System which extends from Cancun to Honduras. It is under threat from shipping, fishing and tourism, but mostly from "bleaching" (a result of hurricanes which kill off portions of the reef or make the coral susceptible to disease).

Answer: The Monastery of the Dominicans of Batalha

Mosteiro Santa Maria da Vitória, more commonly known as the Batalha Monaste, is a Dominican Convent. The convent was commissioned by John I to honor his victory and acknowledge divine help of the Virgin Mary. The battle ended the Castilian attempts to overtake the Portuguese throne and assured John as King of Portugal. The Monastery took over a century to build, beginning in 1386 and ending around 1517, spanning the reign of seven kings.

In the center of the chapel is the convent's most dramatic feature, the tomb of John I (Dom João I) and his wife, Queen Philippa of England and sister of Henry IV. In one of the bays in the chapel walls is the tomb of one of their sons, Prince Henry the Navigator.

Answer: Island of St. Louis

The Island of St. Louis lies at the mouth of the Senegal River, was colonized by the French in the 1600s and has characteristic colonial architecture. Its importance began as a trading hub for those going down the Senegal River. The island was a model for other areas in Africa that were combinations of locals and European traders. French military officer and Governor of Senegal Louis Faidherbe played a large role in how the Island of St. Louis was laid out. Faidherbe was very much anti-slavery and cared for the African people he was Governor of.

Answer: Tournai, Belgium

None of the wrong answers are old enough to qualify. The nave of this church was built in 1171 (on even older foundations). It has been a local heritage site since 1936 and a World Heritage site since 2000. In 1998 the church was significantly damaged by a tornado. Restorations have been ongoing and the main tower was stabilised in 2003.

Answer: Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park consists of islands in which the giant lizards known as Komodo dragons, or Komodo monitors, live, and they can only be found in this area. The island terrain is mostly steep and rugged, ranging from beaches to hillsides of dry savannah. The Komodo monitors can be found on the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores and Gili Montang.

Answer: Iguaçu/Iguazú National Park

The other selections are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South America, solely in one country.

The spectacular Iguazu waterfalls span the border between Brazil and Argentina, some are 3 kilometres wide and 80 metres high. The constant spray means a diverse selection of plants thrive and many endangered animals can be found there too.

Answer: Mir Castle Complex

Started in the 15th century, this castle complex, which was begun in Gothic style, has gone through renovations using Renaissance style and Baroque style. The Radziwill family bought the castle in the 17th century and completed any unfinished work in Renaissance style. The grounds were damaged during the Napoleonic period and restored during the 19th century, adding a park among other things, making it more beautiful than imposing.

The Mir Castle Complex is located just off of the Miryanka River and near the Chapel Crypt of the Dukes of Svyatopolk-Mirsky.

Answer: Petra

One of the world's richest and largest archaeological sites, Petra has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. The carvings in the sandstone give it the nickname of "The Rose Red City" (the Treasury building, usually represented as the final resting place of the Holy Grail, is the one most often seen in movies).

Situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, an ingenious water management system allowed extensive settlement of an essentially arid area. The site has undergone many threats to its survival, including the collapse of ancient structures, erosion due to flooding, improper restoration of ancient structures and an unchecked rate of tourism.

Answer: Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands have been referred to as a "Living Museum" and the site also includes a Marine Reserve. Darwin used the species on this island to confirm the theory of evolution. The most notable species on the island are the Giant Tortoise and numerous finches not found anywhere else in the world. Volcanic activity in the area and three ocean currents meeting at these islands make it that much more remarkable.

Answer: Yellowstone Park, Wyoming, USA

Between 1,000-3,000 earthquakes take place annually within the park borders (approximately 3,472 square miles or 8,987 square km), which is a region larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined. The Yellowstone Caldera measures 45 x 30 miles (72 x 48 km) and houses the majority of the park. In 2011, almost four million tourists visited this wonder-filled area.