Famous Spaniards Trivia Quiz

Answer: Salvador Dali

Salvador Dali (1904-1989) was a Spanish Surrealist artist who gained worldwide recognition with his easily identified style. His style was very imaginative which included striking and very frequently, bizarre images. His best known work was completed in 1931 entitled "The Persistence of Memory". This painting is easily recognised as it has a number of melting or soft watches in the painting.

Answer: Isabella I

Isabella I (1451-1504) reigned as Queen of Castile from 1475-1504. During her reign together with her husband Ferdinand II, she finally succeeded in conquering and expelling those Arabs and Jews who would not convert to Christianity from Spain. It was in 1492 that she financed and supported Christopher Columbus's voyage to the exploration of the New World.

Answer: Miguel de Cervantes

Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) was a Spanish writer who brought to the world that classic novel " Don Quixote" which was published in two parts (in 1605 and 1615). The story revolves around the adventures and wanderings of a noble and his squire, Sancho Panza. The novel is considered one of the first modern novels and has been translated into over 140 languages.

Answer: Seve Ballesteros

Spain has had many fine athletes including Miguel Indurain (cycling), Fernando Alonso (Formula 1), Rafael Nadal (tennis), Mireia Belmonte (swimming) and not to mention the numerous footballers including Raul, Xavi and Iniesta. I chose Seve Ballesteros(1954-2011) as it was he who lit up professional golf from the mid 1970s to the mid 1990s. During that time he won five major golf championships and became the first European to win the Masters (1980). During his professional career (1974-2007) he won 90 times and was number one in the world in 1986 for 61 weeks.

Answer: Diego Velazquez

Diego Velazquez (1599-1660) is considered one of the most important painters of the Spanish Golden Age. He painted in the Baroque style and is well know for his numerous portraits of Spanish royalty. His most famous is "Las Meninas" (1656).

Answer: Julio Iglesias

Julio Iglesias (b. 1943) is a former professional footballer, but is better known as a singer and song-writer. Over his career he has recorded duo's with Diana Ross, Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra, Dolly Parton, Sting, Stevie Wonder and Art Garfunkel. He has won numerous international awards and has also had a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame since 1985.

Answer: Hernan Cortes

Hernan Cortes (1485-1547) was a Spanish conquistador who led the expedition to Mexico that brought about the fall of the Aztec Empire. The region then came under the rule of the King of Castile. It was colonisers like Cortes that brought about the Spanish colonisation of the Americas.

Answer: Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) was a Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker and poet who spent most of his life in France. He is known as a co-founder of the movement Cubism, with Georges Braque (1882-1963) in the early 20th century. His most famous paintings include "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon (1907) and " Guernica" (1937). Picasso was born in Malaga (Spain) and if one has the opportunity to visit the city, then it is a must to visit the Picasso Museum.

Answer: Penelope Cruz

Penelope Cruz (b. 1974) is a Spanish actress and model who started her acting career aged 16 years on Spanish television. Her career has expanded internationally and to date she has received three Academy Award nominations. She won her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Maria Elena in the Woody Allen romantic comedy "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" (2008).

Answer: Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar

Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar (1043-1099) was a Castilian knight and warrior. He united the Spanish people against the Moors as a warlord in medieval Spain. The Moors called him El Cid, meaning The Lord.