Everyone Should Be Able To Identify These Popular European Places
- by Theo Kogod
- – on
- in Lifestyle
Europe is a big place. But really, it's built of so many places, and each one of them is unique. This quiz is for those who have experienced Europe or who have a desire to, focusing on those famous sites. Each of these cities, landmarks, or geographical features is a major cultural hub or famous iconic locale. Some are famed for their arts. Others for their food. Some are natural beauties of the land itself manifesting into wondrous splendors to behold. Other sites are the sites of major historical or religious movements or events that resonate through the ages as still meaningful to us, sometimes after thousands of years.
What's the different between the Tower of London and the Eiffel Tower? What museum at the city of Oslo makes it unique? Which geographical features in Venice separate the city from other European cities? Which tower at the city of Pisa is famous and what is so special about it? These are the sorts of questions asked here in this quiz. Whoever answers them will prove themselves to be citizens of the world. Answer them, and prove to be among the truly worldly by demonstrating a knowledge of Europe's cultural geography!
Name the capital city of France.
Also called the City of Lights, this famous French metropolis is not so much a city as a work of art that spans 33 miles in diameter. Tourists travel from all over the world to gaze upon its beauty. The origins of this famous locale stretch back to before Romans settled in the region, but the architectural splendors that give the modern city its character began to be constructed in the middle ages. Its famous attractions include the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Arc de Triomphe. What’s this city?
What are these standing stones called?
This ancient site is one of the most iconic locations in all of the world. Built roughly four to five thousand years ago, these towering stone structures are a source of awe and mystery to modern people, as those who built them long ago in the distant past left no record of how they were constructed, what they were used for, or how the stones were moved to this remote grassy field. Legends surround the stones and modern Druids still worship at the site. What is this place called?
Where were the first Olympics held?
Every four years, champions compete in the Olympic Games in a different country. But before the modern Olympics began its tradition of changing places, the Games were held at the same site for centuries. These ancient Greek competitions were a sacred tradition, creating a healthy sense of competition between the peoples of all the different city-states. In this time, the weapons of war were put aside, and instead people took up the discuss, javelin, and other sports. In which place did the ancient Greeks hold the Olympic Games?
Which Italian city is known for its beautiful canals?
When traveling through Italy, there are many sites that draw in flocks of tourists by the thousands, but none can compete with this stunning aquatic Renaissance city. Built on the water, the city is slowly sinking into the canals which wind between its buildings instead of streets. The high arches and striking colonnades of the city’s gothic architecture have inspired poets and lovers for centuries, and when the church bells ring across the city, one can hear the echo of ages past. Sadly, this city is slowly sinking into its waters. What is this beautiful drowning city?
This city is the capital of Germany.
Germany’s capital is also its largest city. It is fairly young for a European city, dating back only to the 12th Century or so, but its location along a number of rivers in the north of the country allowed this metropolis to grow into the modern metropolis that witnessed some of the most momentous events of the 20th Century. Art, museums, fine foods, and a crazy club scene make this one of the most engaging cities for people of all tastes. What is this capital city?
Name the capital of Norway.
For a country founded by Viking warlords, Norway amazingly peaceful, culturally diverse, and equitable. The country is also the length of the rest of Europe, stretching all the way up to the arctic north. The nation’s capital city is a cultural hub built along one of its southern fjords in the east of the country. It is home to Frogner Park, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, and something every city should have: the Viking Ship Museum. There’s NORWAY people shouldn’t be able to name the Norwegian capital!
What is this famous French landmark?
France is a country of rich food, richer art, and some of the richest history ever recorded. Much of that history centers around the city of Paris, which is home to the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles. But for the 1889 World’s Fair—one hundred years after the storming of the Bastille—this magnificent wrought iron lattice tower was erected where it showed spectators what the future could create. It was the tallest building in the world at the time, and more than a century later is still the second largest building in France. Name this towering attraction.
Name this famous English site.
Another tower, this English castle is almost the opposite of the last one, being exemplary of the Norman castle designs that dominated the countryside after the invasion of William the Conqueror. With its crenellated battlements and high walls, one can imagine knights in full armor walking through this castle. It has also been used as a dungeon, holding upstart nobles securely in its confines during times of unrest. What is this castle? Every citizen of the world should be able to rise to the challenge of answering this question.
Identify this beautiful Hungarian city.
Straddling the banks of the Danube river is one of the most beautiful cities in Eastern Europe. Truthfully, it is two cities, one on either side of the river, but each grew larger and more ornate until the two merged as one. The city’s opera house, castle, thermal baths, and parliament building are breathtakingly beautiful, all styled with the marble columns and detailed facades of the baroque period. This Hungarian city’s romantic views are perfect to spend a getaway with that special Hun. Which city is it?
This mountain was home to the gods in Greek mythology.
Located in northern Greece on the border between Macedonia and Thessaly, it is no exaggeration to say that this heavenly mountain is mythic. In Greek Mythology, the god Zeus lived here alongside his deific family, ruling over the world from on high. Starting in the foothills, mountaineers spend two days trekking up the heights of this Hellenic landmark. There is a hostel partway up one of the slopes where folk can stop for sleep and a fresh meal. While few modern hikers report seeing the gods, all agree that the view is divine. Name this mountain.
What’s the capital of Greece?
Another location in Greece, this city has been a major site in the Mediterranean for more than three thousand years (while humans have lived at the site for as many as thirteen thousand years). This city is responsible for giving the world Western Philosophy, modern Democracy, and some of the most beautiful art ever developed in the world. The white marble of the Acropolis and Agora are still captivatingly beautiful, thousands of years after their construction. From the gyros to the fried calamari, it is a place of gastric delights. What’s this Grecian city?
Which city is Russia’s capital?
This is a place where the old world and the new merge, where east meets west. The result is a stunning mixture of bright-colored round-steepled Orthodox churches, modernist concrete Soviet structures, and breath-taking palaces with design elements from half the cultures on the Eurasian continent. It is one of the most expensive places on Earth to live, but has a booming urban economy, as well as some amazing tourist attractions such as Red Square and the Kremlin—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. What’s this city called? People should be Russian to answer this.
What is this Spanish city?
Situated in Catalonia, this city is the sixth largest in Europe with a population of nearly five million people. What began as a Roman outpost evolved in the Middle Ages into a cultural metropolis with people from all over the medieval world. The city’s Museu Picasso contains an impressive collections of Pablo Picasso’s paintings while the Sagrada Família church has been under construction for two centuries. With its rich food, friendly people, and Mediterranean vistas, this city should be unmistakable. Name it.
Identify this Icelandic city.
Iceland is not known for its huge cities. After all, the country only has a population of less than 350,00 people. Tourists often travel for the country’s natural beauty—and with sites like the Geyser and Skógafoss, who can blame them? But Iceland’s capital city is still an impressive site. It was founded in 874 by the Viking explorer Ingólfur Arnarson, and the National Museum houses numerous Viking Age artifacts. Overlooking the city from a hilltop, the Hallgrímskirkja church is the tallest building in the country. What’s this city? Most people can’t land the answer.
What’s this famous Roman barrier?
The Isle of Britain was once the westernmost extreme point of the Roman Empire—an isle populated by tattooed Pictish tribesmen, known to the Romans as “barbarians.” These fearsome warriors made it hard for the Romans to hold the island, so the Emperor Hadrian has his men build an immense barrier across the island, stretching from sea to sea, so that his troops could defend against invasions from the northern tribes. The stone structure still stands. Good ol’ Roman engineering. What’s this structure called?
What’s this beautiful Greek island called?
This is often considered to be the most beautiful island in all of Greece, which is saying a lot when one considers just how beautiful all the Greek islands are. Millions visit each year. Long ago, it was known as Strongyle—“The Circular One”—but a volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago destroyed most of the island and sent up 200-foot tidal waves which hit three continents. This inspired tales of Atlantis. What remains is an island with a beautiful caldera overlooking the blue Mediterranean, its beaches white or black sand. Name the island.
This is the capital of the United Kingdom.
Situated on the banks of the River Thames, this city was founded by the Romans (like so many cities in Europe). It is home to such famous sites as Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, the British Library, the British Museum, and Westminster Abbey. The amount of famous people who have lived here is literally too long to count, but includes the musical groups The Rolling Stones and The Beatles and famous writers like Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf, Zadie Smith, and Peter Ackroyd. Everyone from Jack the Ripper to William Shakespeare lived here. What city is this?
The Pope lives here.
Though only a small city within an even larger city, this place is a nation unto itself. Technically, it isn’t a city in the conventional sense, being far too small. In fact, with a population of only about a thousand people, it is the smallest state in the world. Among its famous sites are the Sistine Chapel whose roof Michelangelo famously painted and St. Peter’s Basilica. Everything that looks gold in color—upon inspection—real gold. What is this country within a city?
This is the capital of Turkey.
This city straddles Europe and Asia and was the crossroads of the ancient and medieval worlds. Once known as Constantinople, this city was the capital of the East Roman Empire for a millennium after Rome fell in the West. It was home to magnificent towering walls, a hippodrome for chariot racing, and the famous Hagia Sophia—which was the largest church on Earth for centuries. The city’s name changed in 1453 when the Turkish Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror earned his nickname by conquering the city, converting Hagia Sophia into a mosque. Identify this capital city.
What is the capital of Belgium?
This beautiful city is not only the Belgian capital, but also the administrative capital of the European Union. Its people speak both Dutch and French, and its laws protect this bilingual status. Among its attractions are the Palace, the Mini-Europe Park, and the towering stainless steel Atomium, a building constructed for the World’s Fair in 1958. The home of French fries, legendary chocolate, Belgian waffles, and some world class brews, this is a foodie paradise. Does this city sound like familiar?
Identify this Greek island.
This massive island in the southern Mediterranean is the largest in all of Greece and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It has been described as “the Texas of Greece” with a populace who can be, shall we say, trigger happy (and who were famed archers in ages past). It was once home to the Minoan Civilization, and the labyrinth that once held the mythical Minotaur still can be seen in the ruins of Knossos. More impressively, its aqueducts provided running water millennia before Rome. What is this Greek island?
What is this Scottish island?
Located off the northwest coast of Scotland in the Inner Hebrides, this island’s magical landscape looks like something out of a fantasy novel. Its wildlife include red deer and golden eagles, while its landscape has been touched by the fey whose fairytales and old legends speak of supernatural events all over the isle. Among its popular sites are Dunvegan Castle (the historic home of Clan MacLeod), the jutting stones on the hill called the Storr, the westerly Cliffside of Neist Point, and shimmering blue Fairy Pools. Anyone who can’t name this isle will be yelling “Great Scot!” in dismay.
What is this Tuscan city called?
Tuscany’s landscape is among the most scenic areas in all the world, making it a frequent tourist destination that brings in millions every year. But of all the places in Tuscany, none of the natural beauty is more stunning than this Renaissance city! Here are the Duomo, Michelangelo’s Statue of David, Ponte Vecchio stone bridge, and the Uffizi Gallery in whose halls hang some of the most important works of Renaissance painting to have ever been created. What is this Tuscan city?
What is this northern Romanian territory?
Called the Land Beyond the Forest, this region in Romania is often featured in popular horror movies hoping to capitalize on the fact that Vlad Dracula was born here. While this is a cool tidbit of history, the region offers so much more! It’s population of Saxon gentry built stunning walled cities and crenellated castles, many of which are filled with secret subterranean passageways. It’s cuisine is a mixture of German, Hungarian, and Romanian dishes, representing the dominant ethnic groups in the region. What is this region of Romania?
Name this Roman building.
All roads lead to Rome. And people followed those roads from all over the empire to see this magnificent building, where the greatest games in all the world took place. The place was where gladiators competed for the entertainment of the Roman masses, fighting against one another in perilous duels and reenactments of famous military encounters. Often, they would fight against wild beasts, such as lions and elephants. When in Rome, do as the Romans, so please do name this famous Roman building.
Which Irish city is the country’s capital?
Though Ireland may be known for its green fields, lucky clovers, and beautiful shorelines, the country’s capital city is no less magical and is as much a national treasure as any leprechaun’s pot of gold. Founded in the 7th Century and expanded by Viking invaders, this city really grew in the 17th Century when it became the second biggest city in the British Empire. Popular attractions include Phoenix Park, Trinity College, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It doesn’t take the luck of the Irish to name this place.
What is this Czech City?
The Czech Republic is a land of seemingly infinite castles and beer. Over every horizon is another crenellated gothic tower and around every corner is a tavern or brewery whose liquid delights are like a fermented religious experience. But there is no better place to Czech out everything offered by the Czech Republic than to visit this city. It is the fifth most visited city in Europe, with popular sites including the Old Town Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Charles Bridge. Identify this remarkable city.
Identify the capital of Denmark.
Depending on the year, Denmark is either the happiest country in Europe, or (on occasion) ranked second happiest. It’s quality of life is one of the highest on Earth. It’s capital city was founded by Vikings in the 10th Century, but much of the modern city emerged during the 19th Century in the Danish Golden Age, creating an aesthetic rich with neoclassical architecture. Hans Christian Anderson is buried in the city and there is a statue of his famous fairytale character “the Little Mermaid.” Please deign to identify the Danish capital.
What is this Greek temple called?
One of the most stunning works of architecture in the ancient world, this Temple to Athena was built by the people of Athens after the city was torched during their conflict with the Persians. It once housed a statue of the goddess Athena made by the artist Phidias of gold and ivory, and its columns are bent in such a way that they are designed to appear perfectly straight to the human eye. What is this famous Athenian marble temple called?
Name this lopsided Italian structure.
What makes this building so unique is its sharp lean to one side—a complete accident of design. The tower started construction in the 12th Century, and quickly began to lilt due to an inadequate foundation beneath one part. When the building was complete 199 years after its construction began, the dramatic tilt had become its most defining feature. However, even if not for the unique angle at which it stands, this bell tower would be a marvel for its blind arcades of white marble. What is this structure called?
What is this Austrian city?
Both the capital of Austria and its largest city, this metropolitan hub has always been a haven for the arts. It has been called the “City of Music” and the “City of Dreams”—earning the latter name because Sigmund Freud invented the field of psychoanalysis while living here. Beethoven, Schubert, and Mozart are among its other famous historic residents, as are Carl Jung and Sabina Spielrein. The Belvedere, a complex of baroque buildings, houses an impressive art collection while also being a wondrous work of art. What is this city?
Identify this Scottish city.
The capital of Scotland is a truly breathtaking place to behold. A massive castle sits atop a hill overlooking the city, while another the hill about a mile to the east of the castle is named Arthur’s Seat after the legendary King Arthur, who is prophesized to return. The city’s Old Town and New Town are recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the earliest signs of habitation date to the Mesolithic Period, the city was first recognized as Scotland’s capital in the 15th Century. No true Scotsman could fail to identify this city.
Name this Roman temple.
This ancient temple built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian is one of the best preserved of all Roman monuments. The building was repurposed several times over the years, and like so many temples to the Roman gods, was converted into a church. It is one of the most famous structures in all of Europe and is visited annually by millions of people. Sleek marble columns adorn it, each one a single piece of stone imported from Egypt. Its round interior is a geometric masterpiece. Name this temple.
What is this famous landmark?
Along the coast of Northern Ireland, these basalt columns rise from the sea and skirt the land, forming a magnificent natural wonder. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland. Legends speak of how the giant hero Fionn mac Cumhail built the stone causeway to prepare for his fight with the giant Benandonner. In the tale, the causeway once stretched straight across the waves to the next land over. Across the sea on the of Staffa are similar stones, so there may be truth to this. What’s this landmark?
What is the capital of the Netherlands?
The home to Rembrandt, van Gogh, and Anne Frank, this city is one of the cultural hubs of Europe. While many young tourists come here less interested in its history than in getting lost in the haze of its cafes. The city is also a major hub for tech companies, with Netflix, Tesla, and Uber all having their main headquarters here. Part of the city’s beautiful aesthetic is its expanse of canals. Most people who try to guess this capital without knowing Netherland the right answer.
A famous Oracle gave prophecies from here.
Located in the mountains of the Greek peninsula of the Peloponnese, this famous site was once a Temple to the Earth Goddess, then was transformed into a Temple of Apollo. People would travel from all over Greece to go to this sacred site, where the mountains bent around in a circular ring on all sides like a Greek amphitheater. The oracle would enter beneath the temple and go into a deep trance, prophesying the future after inhaling fumes that rose out of the Earth. Name this sacred site.
This Russian city is named for a saint.
The second largest city in Russia, this place has changed names many times. It has been called Petrograd and Lenigrad, but in 1991 the name returned to what it was originally when this city was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great. Its breathtaking Winter Palace is truly a site to behold, as are the numerous Orthodox churches with their domed roofs and bright colors standing out against the white of Russian winter. Now, for Pete’s sake, tell us what this city’s called.
What is the capital city of Bavaria?
Bavaria is a region in the south of Germany, where the land is green, the drinks are full-bodied, and the people are serious. It has some wonderfully beautiful sites (as well as a Stephen Spielberg movie that shares a name with it). One of its greatest attractions is the Nymphenburg Palace (or “Palace of the Nymph”), a beautiful baroque structure meant to be the summer home of the rulers of Bavaria. Other sites include the Marienplatz (the main city center) and the New Town Hall. What is this Bavarian city?
Name this Croatian port city.
This fourteen-hundred-year-old city rose to power in the 14th Century as the capital city of the Republic of Ragusa, back when this city was still named Ragusa. It reached its height in the 15th Century, rivalling Venice as the dominant trade empire on the Mediterranean. The city was turned into an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, and though it was briefly upset by a siege during the Croatian War of Independence in 1991, it has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean since the mid-90s. Name this city.
Which Spanish fortress is called “the Red One?”
This palatial fortress in the Andalusian province of Granada was built by Arabs in 889 AD atop the ruins of a Roman fortress, and then later the place was reconstructed and improved upon the design. This beautiful complex of buildings grew slowly over a period of centuries in such a way as to exemplify the very best of Nasrid architectural splendor. Some major features include the palace courtyard, the Court of the Myrtles, and the Court of the Lions. Name this Arabic fortress in southern Spain?
This is the capital of Romania.
Built in the 15th Century by none other than the famous Vlad Dracula (yes, the same Dracula who inspired the Bram Stoker’s gothic novel) this is one of the most impressive modern cities in Eastern Europe. There is a sense of sadness in the old Soviet concrete apartments giving way to urban decay. There’s crime and poverty. But there is also much to treasure, like the National Museum’s stunning relics, the Lake Snagov Monastery, and the brickwork castle at the city’s center—a vivid reminder of past glories. What is this city?
This Bulgarian city overlooks the Black Sea.
The third largest city in Bulgaria, this seaside city was extremely popular as a tourist destination during the middle of the 20th Century, when its location alongside the Black Sea offered a locale in Eastern Europe with scenic views reminiscent of the South of France. That said, the city’s Museums of Archaeology contains ancient treasures of gold and silver from when Thracian tribes ruled the region, as well as impressive weapons from its medieval past. One of the last battles of the crusades was fought here. Name this city alongside the Black Sea.
What is the capital of Sweden?
This Swedish city has the largest population of any city in any of the Nordic countries with a population of 1.5 million. Occupied since the Stone Age, it became Sweden’s capital in the mid-13th Century under the influence of the statesman Birger Jarl. Among the city’s major sites are its palace, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Vansa Museum. Of course, there is also the matter of a famous Syndrome named after this city. What is the capital of Sweden?
What’s this Irish site called?
These Irish seaside cliff stretch along the southwest of the country, looking out over the Atlantic. Named for a tower which stands to the south of the cliffs on the site called Hag’s Head, these breath-taking cliffs smell of the sea air and are as beautiful as the old fey glamours which worked their magic on the Emerald Isle. This popular tourist destination was also used for filming movies like The Princess Bride, Leap Year, and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. What’s this site? It shouldn’t take the luck of the Irish to get this question right.
What is this German woodland called?
Located in the mountainous regions of southern Germany, this enchanting and shadowy woodland is the inspiration for many a fairytale. In ancient times, the region was known as Abnoba Mons (after the Celtic goddess Abnoba), and then later as Marciana Silva (or, “the Border Forest”) after the Romans spread through the area. A famous style of cake is named for this area, as is a famous cured pork dish. The scenic views attract visitors every year who enjoy hiking through the region. What is this woodland called?