A Grand Tour of Italy

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. We fly to Venice and take a water taxi from the airport directly to the Grand Canal. We check into the Danieli Hotel and find our rooms overlooking the old prison. What famous bridge connects the courts of justice with this prison? Bridge of Sighs Lamentation Bridge Rialto Bridge Bridge of Atonement

2. We awake early the next morning to avoid the crowds as we head to Venice's main square. The multidomed church adjacent to the Doge's Palace is named after an apostle. Reportedly the bones of the apostle were smuggled back to Venice from Alexandria in the 9th century by packing them in pork fat, so they would be untouched by the Muslim customs agents. What is the name of the church, the square, and the saint, who is also the patron saint of the city? St. Luke St. Matthew St. John St. Mark

3. On a day trip down the Brenta Canal we see a string of beautiful neoclassical villas all along the canal. They were designed by the most famous architect of the period, and his work was the inspiration for Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. What is his name? Palladio Bramante Veronese Alberti

4. We're heading inland from Venice, we stop at an enoteca to sample the intense, sweet Amarone wines, and continue to the Renaissance town of Romeo and Juliet. In what town can you visit Juliet's legendary balcony and tomb? Bologna Parma Verona Modena

5. After spending a day in Trieste and taking in the Roman ruins above the city and the cosmopolitan atmosphere, we head west across the Lombardy and Piedmont plains. We reach the wine growing region of Piedmont and stop in Nieve for dinner. This region is dotted with small villages which have given their names to the famous wines of the region. Which of the following wines on our wine list is not from this region? Barbera Barolo Chianti Barbaresco

6. We now head to Genoa to visit old friends. This town, nestled between the mountains and the sea, is rich in history. We cannot visit Paganini's house, which was torn down for a development, but near the old city walls we come across the 15th century house of a famous explorer. What is his name? Answer: (First and last name or just last name)

7. Driving east along the coast, passing the picturesque towns of Portofino, Camogli, and the "Five Lands", we reach Tuscany. We come to a famous town which used to be on the coast, but the harbor was chained by the Genoese during a war in 1284, and silt build up now finds the city inland. What is the name of this town? Pavia Pisa Livorno Ravenna

8. Driving through Tuscany, we pass through Volterra famed for its exquisite alabaster sculptures, then San Gimignano, the "medieval Manhattan" with its thirteen surviving towers, to reach Siena.Having lunch at the great square, we realize this is the site of the famed Palio. What is this? A medieval jousting tournament An annual public tomato throwing orgy A medieval food festival and competition A horse race

9. In Florence, we feast our eyes on the greatest collection of Renaissance art. Some of my favorite sculptures are Michelangelo's unfinished "Four Prisoners". They and the famous statue of David are located where? The Accademia The Church of Santa Croce The Uffizi The Church of San Lorenzo

10. After visiting the Uffizi gallery in Florence, we head to the famous pedestrian bridge spanning the river Arno. It was in use since medieval times, and housed goldsmiths, tanners, and other merchants. It also has an art gallery spanning the upper floor. What is the name of this bridge? Ponte Vecchio Ponte alle Carraia Ponte alle Grazie Ponte Santa Trinita