History's Greatest Cities

In our series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most fascinating historic cities, Catherine Fletcher shares new perspective on the Italian city famed for its art and architecture 

In episode one of our series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most fascinating, enduring and historic destinations, travel journalist Paul Bloomfield is joined by author and historian Catherine Fletcher for a trip to Florence. Together they explore its pre-Roman origins, its medieval rise to regional dominance, the cultural golden age under the Medici family and its place in the unified Italy. Along the way Catherine introduces some of the figures who played pivotal roles in the development of Florence, and offers up some lesser known places to visit for insights into its heritage.

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Why do some settlements become great centres of international influence, while others languish and ebb away? And how have Europe’s most important urban centres been shaped by geography, climate, resources, individual personalities, collective culture and sheer serendipity? 

In series two of our HistoryExtra podcast series, History’s Greatest Cities, travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield virtually explores some of Europe’s most intriguing cities in the company of expert historian guides. Together they’ll roam the streets and sites, discovering stories of foundation, invasion, expansion and devastation. And along the way, they’ll even share some insider tips for getting to the historic heart of each destination.

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In this series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most historic cities, Paul Cartledge delves back through thousands of years to unearth the glories and trials of the Greek capital

In episode eight of this new series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most beautiful, intriguing and historic cities, travel journalist Paul Bloomfield is joined by historian and author Professor Paul Cartledge for a trip to Athens. Delving back through thousands of years of often tumultuous history they visit monuments dating back to before the days of the world's original democracy, as well as reminders of the later Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Along the way, Paul introduces some of the fascinating personalities that shaped Athens and the world around it, and offers some top advice for history-loving explorers.

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In this series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most historic cities, Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough leads an expedition through the Norwegian capital’s lengthy history

In episode seven of this new series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most beautiful, intriguing and historic cities, travel journalist Paul Bloomfield is joined by historian, author and broadcaster Dr Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough for a journey around Oslo. Together, they explore the city’s Viking origins, medieval fortifications, modern museums and its scenic hinterland, and meet some of the characters who influenced its evolution. Plus, Eleanor offers up some top advice for history-loving globetrotters.

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In episode six of this new series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most beautiful, intriguing and historic cities, travel journalist Paul Bloomfield is joined by historian and author Professor Colin Jones for a jaunt around Paris. Together they stroll along boulevards and riverbanks and around the bastions and burial sites of this captivating city, as well as visiting a few places of worship and entertainment along the way. Plus, Colin introduces some of the many characters who influenced Paris over the centuries, and offers some top tips to history-loving travellers.

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In episode five of this new series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most beautiful, intriguing and historic cities, travel journalist Paul Bloomfield is joined by historian and author Professor Bettany Hughes for a tour of Istanbul. Together they lead us through the streets, mosques, museums, palaces and bazaars of the city, reconstructing the story of this captivating city across the millennia. Along the way, Bettany reveals little-known truths about the character of Istanbul, and offers some top advice for history-loving travellers.

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In episode four of this new series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most beautiful, intriguing and historic cities, travel journalist Paul Bloomfield is joined by author Jules Stewart for a journey around Madrid. They roam the relics of the city’s foundation through to the so-called Reconquista in the 11th century, and consider Madrid’s rise to prominence as the capital of a unified Spain and the turbulent years of the 19th and 20th centuries. Along the way, Jules provides a glimpse of the vibrant city’s magnificent landmarks, and offers up advice for history-loving travellers.

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In episode three of this new series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most beautiful, intriguing and historic cities, travel journalist Paul Bloomfield is joined by classicist Dr Shushma Malik for a quick trip round Rome. Together they lead us through the rise, fall and resurgence of the remarkable city, stopping off at awe-inspiring monuments from the Roman Republic, medieval marvels and fascinating modern landmarks. Along the way, Shushma busts myths about the ancient Romans and offers some top advice for history-loving travellers.

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In episode two of this new series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most beautiful, intriguing and historic cities, travel journalist Paul Bloomfield is joined by medieval historian Dr Eleanor Janega for a tour of Prague. They delve into the long and storied past of the Czech capital, visiting castles, cathedrals, silver mines and beer halls along the way, and offer up some top advice for history-loving travellers.

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In episode one of this new series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most beautiful, intriguing and historic cities, travel journalist Paul Bloomfield is joined by historian and author Rory MacLean for a trip around Berlin. They delve into the city’s origins as a medieval settlement before fast-forwarding through the centuries, exploring theatres, churches and nightclubs, and tracing the infamous wall that divided the city for nearly 30 years. Plus, Rory offers up some top advice for history-loving globetrotters.

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