How good is your Spanish Trivia Knowledge?
The fun way to test your Spanish General Knowledge.
Are you a history buff? Do you know Spanish culture?
Dive into 20 questions that will put your knowledge of Spain to the test! From fascinating facts to unexpected trivia, you’ll get your fix in our Spain trivia mix.
You can share your results and challenge your friends—let’s see who knows Spain best!
Good luck, and may the ultimate Spain expert win!
Correct Answers and Fun Facts
1. Which Spanish town was the accidental target of an atomic bomb in 1966?
Answer: Palomares.
Fun Fact: In 1966, Palomares was the site of an almost catastrophic Cold War accident when a U.S. B-52 bomber dropped four nuclear bombs during a mid-air collision. While none exploded, two bombs ruptured on land, releasing radioactive plutonium. Another landed in the Mediterranean Sea, leading to a massive cleanup and recovery operation that lasted months. To this day, some traces of radiation remain in Palomares.
2. Who is the famous Spanish artist known for painting "The Persistence of Memory"?
Answer: Salvador Dalí.
Fun Fact: Salvador Dalí’s surreal painting "The Persistence of Memory," with its melting clocks, is a symbol of the fluidity of time. Dalí claims inspiration for the melting clocks came to mind while watching cheese soften in the heat. The painting is housed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and remains one of Dalí’s most iconic works.
3. Which region of Spain is famous for its unique language and the city of Bilbao?
Answer: Basque Country.
Fun Fact: The Basque Country is home to Euskara, a language with no known routes or relatives in Europe or beyond. Linguists have long been fascinated and perplexed by its origins, predates Latin and other Indo-European languages. Bilbao, the region’s largest city, is known for the Guggenheim Museum, a landmark of modern art that has helped to transform the city into a cultural destination.
4. What is the name of the Spanish national anthem?
Answer: Marcha Real.
Fun Fact: Spain’s national anthem, "Marcha Real," has no official lyrics, and is one of only a handful of wordless national anthems. Though various lyrics have been proposed, the instrumental version remains the same since the 18th century. Despite the lack of words, it is still a powerful symbol of Spanish unity and pride.
5. Walt Disney is rumored to be of Spanish descent from which region?
Answer: Andalusia.
Fun Fact: A curious rumor claims that Walt Disney’s true birthplace was in the small Andalusian town of Mojácar, and not Chicago, as recorded. Some believe that Disney was adopted and that his biological parents were Spanish. The people of Mojacar often recount the story of how men from the USA visited the small village to search for Walt Disney's birth certificate...
6. Which Spanish festival celebrates the arrival of spring with large puppets and bonfires?
Answer: Las Fallas.
Fun Fact: Las Fallas, held in Valencia every March, is a vibrant celebration where enormous puppets, known as "ninots," are created and displayed throughout the city. At the end of the festival, most of these puppets are burned in grand bonfires, symbolizing renewal and the end of winter. The event is accompanied by music, fireworks, and street parades, making it one of Spain’s most lively and fiery festivals.
7. What is the oldest city in Spain, founded by the Phoenicians?
Answer: Cadiz.
Fun Fact: Cádiz, located on the southwestern coast of Spain, was founded over 3,000 years ago by the Phoenicians, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Its strategic location has made it a key naval base throughout history, and today it’s known for its well-preserved historical sites, beautiful beaches, and lively carnival celebrations.
8. Which famous Spanish architect designed the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona?
Answer: Antoni Gaudí.
Fun Fact: Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia is a masterpiece of Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture. Gaudí’s work on the basilica was so intense that he lived on-site for much of his later life, devoting himself entirely to its completion. The basilica is expected to be completed by 2026, on the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death.
9. The Moors occupied parts of Spain for how many years?
Answer: 800 years.
Fun Fact: The Moors ruled large parts of Spain from 711 to 1492, leaving a lasting influence on the country’s culture, language, and architecture. Iconic structures like the Alhambra in Granada and the Great Mosque of Córdoba are just two examples of the rich Islamic heritage from this period. The Moorish legacy is still visible today, especially in the south, in Spain’s art, cuisine, and music.
10. What is the capital of Spain’s Andalusia region?
Answer: Seville.
Fun Fact: Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and rich history. It’s home to the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and La Giralda bell tower, a former minaret. Seville is also famous for its flamenco and the annual Feria de Abril, a week-long celebration of Andalusian traditions where you can witness colorful costumes, music, and parades.
11. Which Spanish city is famous for its annual film festival, one of the most prestigious in the world?
Answer: San Sebastián.
Fun Fact: The San Sebastián International Film Festival, held every September, is one of the most prestigious film festivals in Europe. Each year it premieres major international films, drawing Hollywood stars and filmmakers to the scenic coastal city. San Sebastián is also renowned for its culinary scene, with one of the highest Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world.
12. Which Spanish monarch sponsored the voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1492?
Answer: Queen Isabella I.
Fun Fact: Queen Isabella I, along with her husband King Ferdinand II, are known as the Catholic Monarchs who united Spain. By sponsoring Columbus’s voyage, Isabella played a pivotal role in the Spanish colonization of the Americas. She is a key figure in Spanish history, who not only expanded Spain’s empire but also drove the Moors out of Spain.
13. Which Spanish city is home to La Rambla, a famous tree-lined street?
Answer: Barcelona.
Fun Fact: La Rambla, is a lively promenade that stretches from Plaça de Catalunya to the Christopher Columbus Monument at the seafront. It’s a popular walkway and features markets, street performers, cafes, and shops. The street is often referred to as the heart of Barcelona, capturing it’s vibrant spirit.
14. Which Spanish explorer was the first to circumnavigate the globe?
Answer: Ferdinand Magellan.
Fun Fact: Although Magellan himself did not survive the journey, his expedition was the first to successfully circumnavigate the globe. Magellan set sail from Spain in 1519 with five ships and around 270 men. Magellan was killed in the Philippines, but his crew, under the command of Juan Sebastián Elcano, completed the journey in 1522. The expedition proved that the Earth was not flat and possible to sail completely around it.
15. What is the name of the royal palace located in Madrid?
Answer: Palacio Real.
Fun Fact: The Royal Palace of Madrid, also known as the Palacio Real, is the largest royal palace in Europe with over 3.400 rooms! It’s the official residence of the Spanish royal family, however they don’t actually live there, it’s mainly used for state ceremonies. Visitors can tour its grand rooms, art collections, and beautiful gardens, which provide an insight into Spain’s royal history.
16. What is the national flower of Spain?
Answer: Carnation.
Fun Fact: The carnation is Spain’s national flower and is often worn during festivals and celebrations. In the southern regions of Spain, it’s often associated with flamenco culture. Red carnations also have political significance, symbolizing socialism and workers' movemen.
17. Which Spanish artist was a pioneer of the Cubist movement?
Answer: Pablo Picasso.
Fun Fact: Pablo Picasso, born in Málaga, was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century and a co-founder of Cubism. Possibly his most famous work, "Guernica," portrays the horrors of. Picasso’s career spanned more than seven decades, and he is credited with revolutionizing modern art through his constant experimentation with styles and forms.
18. Which Spanish island is famous for its prehistoric megalithic monuments?
Answer: Menorca.
Fun Fact: Menorca, part of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is known for its prehistoric talayots. These large megalithic structures date back to the Bronze Age and are believed to have served as watchtowers or communal spaces. Menorca’s rich archaeological heritage and stunning beaches make it popular with both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
19. Which Spanish city is known as the birthplace of flamenco?
Answer: Seville.
Fun Fact: Seville is considered the home of flamenco, a passionate art form that blends singing, guitar, percussion, and dancing. The roots of flamenco can be traced back to Andalusia’s Romani and Moorish communities. Today, Seville’s flamenco scene is stronger than ever. You can experience it traditional tablaos (flamenco bars) where both locals and tourists can enjoy live performances.
20. Which Spanish king unified Spain through marriage with Queen Isabella of Castile?
Answer: Ferdinand II of Aragon.
Fun Fact: Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, known as the "Catholic Monarchs," united Spain through their marriage in 1469. Their reign saw the completion of the Reconquista, the expulsion of the Moors from Spain. Queen Isabella was also the sponsor of Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the Americas, the beginning of Spain’s Golden Age of exploration.
