Throughout its history, this castle (or "alcázar") has served as a fortress, a royal palace, a prison and a military training school. Where is it located?

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The Alcázar of Segovia is distinctive for its shape, which resembles the bow of a ship. Is is also one of the inspirations for Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle. It was originally constructed as a wooden fort by Arabs who entered the Iberian Peninsula from Africa. Archaeologists later discovered that it was built on the remains of a previous fortification made during the Roman times. During the Middle Ages, the fort was eventually converted into a stone structure, with King John II ordering the construction of the "New Tower" (or "King John II Tower" as it known today). 

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King Phillip II later added the sharp slate spires to mimic the castles of central Europe. In 1587, architect Francisco de Morar completed the outdoor gardens around the castle. 

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A fire damaged the roofs and framework in 1862, which were eventually restored twenty years later. If you are ever in Madrid, you should definitely take the one-hour trip to Segovia to see this impressive landmark!

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Which South American country is home to the music program known as "El Sistema," which trains young people from poor neighborhoods in classical orchestras?

     "El Sistema is a publicly financed voluntary sector music education program in Venezuela, founded in 1975 by musician José Antonio Abreu under the name of Social Action for Music. 

     El Sistema is a state foundation which watches over Venezuela's 125 youth orchestras and the instrumental training programmes which make them possible. The organization has 31 symphony orchestras, and between 310,000 to 370,000 children attend its music schools around the country. 70 to 90 percent of the students come from poor socio-economic backgrounds." (source)

     "El Sistema is a tested model of how a music program can both create great musicians and dramatically change the life trajectory of hundreds of thousands of a nation’s neediest kids. Among its graduates, El Sistema Venezuela has nurtured international musicians such as Edicson Ruiz and Gustavo Dudamel and the world-renowned Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra.

     Many begin attending their local El Sistema center, called a “nucleo,” as early as age 2 or 3, with the vast majority continuing well into their teens; attending up to six days a week, three to four hours a day, plus retreats and intensive workshops. Participation is free for all students. The country now has over 60 children’s orchestras, almost 200 youth orchestras, 30 professional adult orchestras and dozens of choruses." (source)