Stunning Sites of Spain Trivia Quiz

Answer:

Court of the Lions
Part of the Alhambra palace in Granada, then an important Islamic centre, the Court of the Lions was built in the late 1300s during the rule of Sultan Muhammad V. Its central marble fountain is held up by twelve carved lions, demonstrating the advanced artistic and engineering skills of the Nasrid dynasty, which ruled the Emirate of Granada from around 1230AD to 1492AD. The courtyard surrounding the fountain contains some of the most detailed Islamic ceiling designs in Spain, representing the height of Nasrid culture. The Nasrids were the final Muslim dynasty in the Iberian Peninsula.

La Seu
Construction of La Seu, the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, began soon after 1229AD and continued until 1601AD, giving the cathedral a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and later Modernista features. Located in Palma de Mallorca, it is one of the island's most important religious landmarks. In the early 1900s, parts of the interior were redesigned by the well-known architect Antoni Gaudí, adding to its artistic significance. The cathedral is especially famous for its huge rose window and its dramatic position overlooking the sea. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of Mallorca's history.

Cathedral of Cordoba
The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba began as a mosque in 785 under Abd al-Rahman I but was consecrated as a Christian cathedral in June 1236 after the conquest of King Ferdinand III of Castile. It is located in the centre of Cordoba and is a key part of the city's World Heritage listing. Its famous double arches, richly decorated mihrab (a niche in the wall of a mosque), and the later addition of a Renaissance nave make it a rare example of architecture where Islamic and Christian styles exist side by side. The structure represents centuries of cultural exchange and is considered one of the most remarkable religious buildings in the world.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Opened in 1997 and designed by architect Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is known for its dramatic, flowing titanium exterior. Although not a World Heritage Site, it is nonetheless recognised worldwide for transforming modern museum design. The museum helped revive the city's economic and cultural reputation, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as the 'Bilbao Effect.' Inside, the building's large galleries host important permanent and short-term exhibits of contemporary art. Its impact on urban renewal in Bilbao and on 21st-century architecture has made it internationally influential.

City of Arts and Sciences
Designed mainly by Santiago Calatrava, the City of Arts and Sciences (Valencia) opened to the public in 1998. It is one of Spain's most famous examples of futuristic architecture, even though it is not a UNESCO site. Its structures, which include the Hemisferic, the Science Museum, and the Oceanografic, among others, reflect Valencia's focus on innovation and culture. It is built on the what was the riverbed of the Turia, meaning the complex has played a major role in reshaping the city. The City of Arts and Sciences stands as a global focal point of modern design and architecture.

Medina del Campo
Medina del Campo is a municipality in the province of Valladolid that became an important trading centre during the 14th and 15th centuries. Although not recognised by UNESCO, Spain has officially declared it an Historic-Artistic Site due to its well-preserved medieval layout. Its most famous building is the Castillo de la Mota, a large 15th-century fortress that combines gothic elements with the blended style of the mudejar (a muslim architectural style developed while under Christian rule). The town is also known for its connection to Queen Isabella I, who died there. In terms of Castilian history, Medina del Campo is important for its influence on politics, economy, and architecture.

Park Guell
Park Guell was designed by Antoni Gaudí and built between 1900 and 1914 as part of a planned luxury housing development. Though the project failed commercially, the area later became a public park and was recognised in 1984 by UNESCO as part of the 'Works of Antoni Gaudí.' The park is famous for its colourful mosaic tiles, snake-like benches, nature-inspired forms and secret pockets of beauty and whimsy. It represents Gaudí's creative blending of architecture with the landscape and is now one of Barcelona's most iconic and popular attractions.

Aqueduct of Segovia
The Aqueduct of Segovia was constructed in the 1st century AD during the Roman Empire to carry water from the Frío River into the city. It became part of Segovia's World Heritage listing in 1985. Part of its impressive design is that it is built from granite blocks without using any mortar; its 167 arches have survived almost two thousand years. The aqueduct is a breathtaking example of Roman engineering skill, and has become the symbol of the city of Segovia.

Casa Mila
Casa Mila, or La Pedrera, was designed by Antoni Gaudí and built between 1906 and 1912 in Barcelona. Recognised as a World Heritage Site in 1984, the building is known for its wavy stone facade, its artistic iron balconies, and its innovative layout, which removed many traditional interior walls. The rooftop chimneys and arched attic ceilings show Gaudí's interest in geometry and sculptural design. The building is one of the key works of Catalan Modernism and shows Gaudí's revolutionary approach to residential architecture.

Metropol Parasol
Designed by German architect and artist Jürgen Mayer, the Metropol Parasol was built between 2005 and 2011 in Seville's Plaza de la Encarnacion. It is one of the largest wooden structures in the world, and is made from laminated pine. The project revitalised a long-neglected square and includes a market, an archaeological site, a large open plaza, and a raised walkway with city views. It serves as a recognisable meeting place and location for public events. Its distinctive design blends modern engineering with references to Seville's architectural past. The structure is widely admired for pushing the boundaries of material use and urban design.