Question 1: Welcome to the medieval town of San Gimignano. Which country are we in?
- Italy
- France
- Germany
Correct Answer: Italy
Fact: At the heart of Tuscany, in northern Italy, San Gimignano is famous for its 14 towers, built by different families in a bid to outdo one another. At the height of the rivalry, there were 72 towers. Tuscany is home to many other historical treasures including Florence’s Duomo, Siena’s Piazza del Campo, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Question 2: San Gimignano is famous for producing what kind of wine?
- Chianti
- Prosecco
- Vernaccia
Correct Answer: Vernaccia
Fact: Since the 13th century, San Gimignano has been producing Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a white wine made with vernaccia grapes. According to local lore, this wine inspires popes and poets. In fact, it even gets a mention in Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy.’
Question 3: Tuscany hosts the Palio di Siena twice a year. What is it?
- Marathon
- Landscape painting competition
- Horse race
Correct Answer: Horse race
Fact: Twice a year—on July 2 and August 16—the Piazza del Campo in Siena is taken over by a horse race called the Palio di Siena. Ten horses, ridden bareback, race around the city’s central square, making three laps. This tradition dates back to the 1600s, and each year it draws thousands of spectators.