History’s greatest cities | Podcast series

History’s greatest cities

In this HistoryExtra podcast series, travel journalist and history fan Paul Bloomfield virtually roams the streets and sites of great European metropolises in the company of a series of expert historian guides.

Together they’ll be delving into each city’s origin myths and uncovering stories of shifting populations, conflict, culture, turbulence and triumph. And along the way, they’ll highlight some top tourist tips for history-loving globetrotters.

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Explore season 2, part 2

Episode 5: Lisbon

In our series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most fascinating historic cities, Barry Hatton charts the tumultuous ups and downs of the Portuguese city coveted by many and devastated by earthquakes

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Episode 6: York

In our series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most fascinating historic cities, Pragya Vohra shares the story of a British city that has undergone many transformations through the centuries

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Episode 7: Split

In our series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most fascinating historic cities, Marcus Tanner guides listeners through the rich heritage of Croatia’s second largest city

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Episode 8: Warsaw

In our series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most fascinating historic cities, Alexandra Richie takes a deep dive into the pivotal historical episodes of Poland’s capital

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Discover season 2, part 1

Episode 1: Florence

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

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Renaissance powerhouse

Founded as a retirement home for Roman legionaries, the Tuscan capital became a cultural and political powerhouse. Catherine Fletcher explores a history stretching back some two millennia

Episode 2: Budapest

In our series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most fascinating historic cities, Thomas Lorman guides us through the ancient, turbulent history of the twin cities straddling the Danube

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From hot springs to Cold War

The twin city combining Buda and Pest rose to prominence in the Middle Ages. It has faced takeovers by Mongols, Ottomans and the Habsburgs, and played a role in the fall of European communism. Thomas Lorman explores its history

Episode 3: Amsterdam

In our series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most fascinating historic cities, Russell Shorto explores the Dutch capital famed as a centre for trade, art and pleasures of the flesh

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City of commerce and canals

Built on land reclaimed from the sea, the capital of the Netherlands grew wealthy on fishing, European trade and then an international empire. Russell Shorto explores a rich history populated by merchants and artists

Episode 4: Dublin

In our series exploring the sights and stories of Europe’s most fascinating historic cities, Gillian O’Brien delves back through twelve centuries of conflict and cultural prosperity in the Irish capital

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Vikings and politics

The city on the Liffey river has undergone centuries of invasion, occupation, division and violence – but recovered to become a modern commercial and tourist hub. Gillian O’Brien explores the history of Ireland’s capital

History's Greatest Cities: season 1

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History’s greatest cities | Podcast series