Scavenger Hunt Questions
Africa
Egypt
1. Who built the Great Pyramid?
2. What other famous landmark is near the Great Pyramid?
3. Where is the Great Pyramid located?
4. Why did ancient Egyptians build the pyramids?
5. How were the pyramids built?
Ethiopia
1. What is the oldest standing structure in Ethiopia?
2. What is a monolithic church?
3. When were the monolithic churches in Lalibela built?
4. What is the Bete Medhane Alem church?
5. Who was responsible for the “renaissance” of Ethiopian architecture that still influences the style modern buildings?
Gambia
1. How old are the Wassu Stone Circles?
2. Why are the Wassu Stone Circles UNESCO World Heritage cites?
3. Which two major African empires dominated the area of modern Gambia prior to European invasion?
4. Which architect designed Arch 22, located in the Gambian capital of Banjul?
5. What event does Arch 22 commemorate?
Ghana
1. What language do the Krobo people speak?
2. What is the most common occupation of the Krobo people?
3. Name two things that beads were once used for in Ghana.
4. What are Krobo beads made of?
5. What is the Ghanian dollar called?
Kenya
1. Which culture combined native and Muslim elements, giving Kenya unique art and architecture?
2. Where can you find beautiful Arabic carved wooden doors in Kenya?
3. What is a “kanga?”
4. Which UNESCO World Heritage site in Kenya was built by the Portuguese?
5. What is one of the final examples of Muslim architecture to be built before British colonization?
Mali
1. What building is the most significant example of historic West African architecture?
2. How was this building constructed?
3. Which emperor of the Mali Empire was responsible for constructing this building?
4. Which city in Mali is home to the historic University of Sankore?
5. This city was also the capital for which major African empire?
Nigeria
1. Where is Nigeria located?
2. Can you describe the clothing/fashion of Nigeria?
3. What are some of the natural resources of Nigeria?
4. How big is Nigeria?
5. What city in Nigeria is the most outstanding example of contemporary Nigerian urban planning and architecture?
Senegal
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4.
5.
Togo
1. What is the official name of Togo, and which countries border it?
2. Who were the first people to settle Togo?
3. Name some of the most common forms of art in traditional Togo culture.
4. What is the name of the traditional clay and straw dwellings built by ancestors of the Togo people?
5. What does Togo mean in the Ewe language?
Europe
Austria
1. Name three Austrian cities where the “old city center” is designated as a World Cultural Heritage site.
2. List some of the ways STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and art combine in an urban setting.
3. What are some STEM occupations that help to develop and expand cities?
4. What giant structure was built in Vienna in 1897?
5. What is the capital of Austria?
CzechRepublic
1. Name two or more artistic elements of Gothic architecture used in St. Vitas Cathedral in Prague.
2. What does the word ossuary mean?
3. Many examples of ossuaries exist throughout Europe. Can you describe at least one artistic element used in the architecture of the Sedlec Chapel?
4. What Gothic bridge has an avenue of mostly baroque statues and statuaries?
5. Describe an artistic element of Baroque style.
England
1. Passport stamp question: What is the name of the famous clock in London?
2. What is the name of the tower that houses this clock?
3. Name the London palace in which the Queen resides.
4. Name the castle in which the TV series Downton Abbey was filmed.
5. Who were the first people to build castles in England?
France
1. France has one of the richest architectural legacies in the world. How many UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites are in France?
2. Which bridge in Nîmes, France was one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Roman Empire?
3. Nicknamed the “City of Light,” Paris has one of the highest concentrations of architectural wonders in the world. Name one famous Parisian structure and its architectural style.
4. Which iconic structure in Mobile, Alabama was built in the French colonial style?
5. Why was the EiffelTower built?
Greece
1. The Greek temple is the most famous example of classical architecture. For what purpose were Greek temples built?
2. Which temple sits on the Acropolis, which overlooks Athens?
3. What type of classical Greek building allowed for plays to be performed?
4. What are the three Orders of Greek architecture?
5. Name three forms of classical art that teach us the most about the ancient Greeks.
Germany
1. In what style was NeuschwansteinCastle built?
2. Why is Neuschwanstein known as the “castle of paradox?”
3. What piece of American architecture was inspired by Neuschwanstein?
4. In what time period were many of Germany’s iconic structures built? Acceptable answers:
5. What was the position of the people who ordered these works? Kings
Hungary/Romania
1.Where is the region of Maramures located?
2. What are the main cities of Maramures?
3. Have the people of Maramures preserved their rural culture and traditional Dacian craftsmanship, or have centuries of change and conflict in Eastern Europe caused them to modernize and build large cities?
4. What forms of architecture make Maramures inhabitants distinct?
5. In which towns can these structures be found?
Poland
1.What is the oldest Polish cathedral and when was it built?
2.What is the most common material used in Polish Gothic architecture, making Poland unique from other countries?
3. Which religion has contributed the most to the history of Polish architecture?
4. What is the modern capital of Polish art and architecture?
5. What is a modern Polish structure that is used for the fine arts?
Russia
1. What is the name of the island in LakeOnega that is home to the 18th century wooden Transfiguration church that was build without hammer and nails?
2. What is the official name of the St. Basil’s Cathedral that is located on the Red Square in Moscow?
3. Why is the MoscowStateUniversity building considered one of the “Seven Sisters?”
4. Most people have heard of the Bolshoi ballet which is among the oldest and most
renowned ballet companies in the world, residing in the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow.
What does “Bolshoi” mean?
5.How many people can the “Saucer” hotel accommodate? Also known as the Futuro house, it is located in a popular Russian ski resort and displays Russian space architectural style.
Slovakia
1. Passport stamp question: What material was used to build the earliest churches in Slovakia?
2. When was St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral in Kosice first built?
3. Like many cathedrals in Western Europe, St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral in Kosice (which is in Eastern Europe) was built in which architectural style?
4. What is the difference between a hrad castle and a zamuk castle?
5. List three words to describe the aparment buildings which were constructed during the Communist occupation of Czechoslovakia (from 1948 to 1989 the Czech Republic and Slovakia were one country).
Switzerland
1. How long ago were the first structures built in Switzerland?
2. Which Roman Catholic cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site and houses the richest medieval library collection in the world?
3. What is a “façade?”
4.How many different styles of architecture are represented throughout Switzerland?
5. What is one feature unique to the Baroque style?
Ukraine
1. What is the most prominent architectural element of Ukrainian churches?
2. What does a single dome (cupola) over the center of a church represent?
3. Who is the head of the Ukrainian Catholic church?
4. Christianity in Ukraine dates back to what year?
5. What is a Ukrainian Easter egg called?
NorthAmerica & Caribbean
Canada
1. Who were the first people to live in what is now Canada?
2. Which two European powers had the biggest cultural impact on Canada?
3. What features are unique to “Canadian style” buildings?
4. How tall is the CN Tower?
5. Name one unique fact about the CN Tower.
Jamaica
1. When did the first European explorer arrive in Jamaica? Who was he?
2. When was slavery abolished in Jamaica, and what caused it to happen?
3. What natural resources are found in Jamaica?
4. What major exports from Jamaica help its economy?
5. How was the island of Jamaica created?
Mexico
1. When was Teotihuacán inhabited, and what happened to it?
2. Why is Chichen Itza important to Mexican heritage?
3. What was Tenochtitlan?
4. The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral is the largest cathedral in the Americas. What style was it built in, and how long did it take to complete?
5.What is culturally significant about Mexico?
Puerto Rico
1. Who built Castillo San Felipe Del Morro?
2. Where was “El Morro” built?
3. When did construction on El Morro begin, and how long did it survive?
4.Why was it built?
5. How tall and wide is El Morro?
6. Why is “El Morro” important?
United States of America
1. In what state is Mount Rushmore located?
2. How many stars and stripes are on the U.S. flag and what do they symbolize?
3. What country gave the Statue of Liberty to the U.S. as a gift?
4. How many national parks are in the U.S.?
5. What animal is the national emblem of the United States?
Central America
Costa Rica
1. What is a basilica?
2. Who is the most important figure in traditional Latin American culture?
3.Where is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels?
4. What is the best preserved historic building in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica?
5. What are the basic features of Spanish colonial city centers? They can be found all throughout Latin America.
El Salvador
1. What is the oldest architecture of El Salvador?
2. Which is the principal architecture of the churches and public buildings of El Salvador?
3. Who built the colonial Churches of El Salvador?
4. What is the oldest colonial church inEl Salvador?
5. When was this church built and in what style was it built?
Guatemala
1. What is the national bird of Guatemala that shares a name with its currency?
2.What is the name of Guatemala’s beautiful volcanic lake?
3.Guatemala is the home of what major native civilization?
4. Which native ruins were featured in the original Star Wars films?
5.Guatemala is known as the land of ______.
Honduras
1. What is the capital of Honduras?
2.When was the Basilica of the Virgin of Suyapa built?
3.What object is the Basilica dedicated towards?
4. Who is the Virgin of Suyapa?
5. In what architectural style wasthe Basilica of the Virgin of Suyapa designed?
Panama
1. What is the nickname of the BBAF&FTower?
2. Why does it have this nickname?
3. How tall is this skyscraper?How many floors does it have?
4. What materials were used to build it?
5. Who designed the unique shape of the skyscraper?
South America
Brazil
1. Brazil owes its cultural heritage to which three groups of people?
2. What is the name of the Brazilian architect who helped develop modern architecture all over the world?
3. What is unique about Brasilia, the capital of Brazil?
4. Describe the characteristics of prominent buildings in Brasilia.
5. Why was Brasilia designed like this?
Chile
1. From where does Chile draw its architectural heritage?
2. Which Chilean monuments have been declared World Heritage sites?
3. What are some of the most important buildings in Santiago, the capital of Chile?
4. What materials were used to build these works?
5. What is the state of Chilean architecture today?
Colombia
1. What is considered the jewel of modern architecture in Colombia?
2. What is the Cathedral of Zipaquira and where is it located?
3. How many visitors does the cathedral receive each Sunday?
4. What movie was filmed in the salt mine of Zipaquira?
5. How was the geological formation of this salt mine created?
Ecuador
1. Which two major historical empires ruled Ecuador before its independence?
2. What is unique (and dangerous) about Quito, the capital of Ecuador?
3. What is significant about the Church and Convent of St. Francis in Quito?
4. In which Ecuadorian city do we see the most Spanish colonial art and architecture?
5. Why is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception an example of the importance of architectural planning?
Peru
1. Where is the site of Machu Picchu?
2. Who built Machu Picchu?
3. Who discovered Machu Picchu?
4. How did the Inca build Machu Picchu?
5. Why is Machu Picchuspecial?
Asia
Australia
1. What is the capital of Australia?
2. In what year did the iconic Sydney Opera House open?
3. Who is the Prime Minister of Australia today?
4. Two thirds of the country consist of desert landscape referred to as what?
5. What do the stars in the Australian flag symbolize?
China
1. What animal is considered a National Treasure in China?
2. What is the longest man-made structure in the world?
3. What country invented paper?
4.Until recently, the world’s tallest building was in Shanghai. How tall is it, and how many floors does it have?
5. Passport stamp question: What is considered the highest form of visual art in China?
India
1. What type of ancient, dome-shaped structure was built in India to commemorate Buddhism?
2. During what period were most classical Buddhist temples built?
3. What characteristics did most temples have during this period?
4. What is the Taj Mahal?
5. The Red Fort is a sister structure of the Taj Mahal because it was built nearby, around the same time, and is an equally important architectural achievement. Which ruling empire in India built these beautiful buildings?
Indonesia
1.On what island is the Borobudur temple located?
2. In what city is Borobudur located?
3.Borobudur was built to honor which religion?
4. How many statues is Borobudur decorated with?
5. In what century was Borobudur built?
Iran
1. Most examples of historic architecture in Iran were inspired by religion. What are the two prominent historical religions of Iran?
2. Which empire left behind architectural ruins in the ancient cities of Persepolis, Susa, and Ecbatana?
3.Which modern city is considered a cultural hub of fine art in Iran?
4. Which work of modern architecture marks the western entrance to the capital of Tehran, and includes 8,000 blocks of marble?
5. Why is the MiladTower significant?
Iraq
1. What type of religious structure was common in ancient Mesopotamia?
2. What material was used to make these structures?
3. Which Babylonian structure was one of the original Seven Wonders of the World, and has been reconstructed in Berlin, Germany?
4. Since the rise of Islamic nations and empires after the ancient period, what has become the most common type of religious structure?
5. Iraq has been ruled by over a dozen different empires and governments throughout its history. How do you think this has affected architecture in Iraq?
Israel
1. What does the term IDF stand for?
2. Who was the first Israeli to receive a Nobel Prize?
3.What is the name of the place with the lowest land elevation on Earth?
4. Name three things that were invented in Israel.
5. Which Hollywood actress was born in Israel?
Japan
1. What is the name of the world’s oldest surviving wooden structure?
2. In what city is this structure located?
3.When was this structure built?
4. To which religion is this building devoted?
5. Which international organization named this as a World Cultural Heritage site?
Korea
1. Pagodas were originally built as religious temples, but the style later became used for many different purposes. What are some other types of buildings built in the pagoda style?
2. What is one of the earliest surviving examples of Korean Buddhist pagodas?
3. In recent history, pagodas have been built primarily from wood. What material were most early pagodas constructed with?
4. Why is the BulguksaTemple registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Korean national treasure?
5. What is the Dongdaemun pagoda?
Lebanon
Passport stamp question: What is the capital city of Lebanon?
1. What Lebanese city contains some of the most well preserved Roman ruins?
2. What Lebanese religious statue overlooks the city of Beirut?
3. In what Lebanese city did our current alphabet originate?
4. What palace in Lebanon is considered the jewel of Lebanese architecture?
5. What ancient port city in Lebanon has an island sea castle?
Nepal
1. How long have people inhabited Nepal?
2. Nepal is a small country located in between which two large countries?
3. Architecture in Nepal is mainly a unique combination of styles from which two major religions?
4. What is the oldest temple in Nepal, and how old is it?
5. Which historic city in Nepal has a reputation for unique architecture, pottery, and sculpture?
New Zealand
1. What is a kiwi?
2. Who is Sir Edmund Hillary and what is he known for?
3. What is the capital of New Zealand?
4. What is the name of the war dance performed by the Maori tribe?
5. What is the name of a native bird of New Zealand that was recorded as one of the largest birds in history, standing up to 3.6m (12 feet) tall and weighing 300kg (660 lbs)?
Philippines
1. Who built the Banaue Rice Terraces?
2. How old are the Banaue Rice Terraces?
3. What is a Bahay Kubo?
4. What materials are used to make a Bahay Kubo?
5. What is a Jeepney?
Tahiti
1. Tahiti is located in what body of water?
2. What is the capital of Tahiti?
3. What is the national sport of Tahiti?
4. What Tahiti festival is celebrated every July?
5. What country has complete civil and political authority over Tahiti?
Taiwan
1. What is the name of the island that is home to Taiwan?
2. Which religious traditions inspired Taiwan’s traditional architecture?
3. What is Taipei 101?
4.How tall is Taipei 101?
5. What are the major architectural achievements of Taipei 101?
Thailand
1. What type of house is traditionally built in Thailand?