About this podcast
Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield will be joining expert guides with rich local and historical knowledge. Venturing to the great cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, they'll explore centuries-long stories of foundation and growth, and examine how contact between continents shaped these far-flung places. Along the way, they'll introduce the colourful characters who played pivotal roles in the development of these cities, and lead listeners through the must-visit palaces, temples, bazaars and, of course, bars and restaurants. And, our experts will also share insider tips to help visitors discover hidden facets of each fascinating destination.
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Episodes
The newest 20 of 51 episodes
- Tunis · 38 min · Season 5 Episode 8To delve into the history of Tunis – and the ancient city of Carthage that preceded the modern Tunisian capital – travel writer Paul Bloomfield is joined by classicist and…
- Vienna · 38 min · Season 5 Episode 7Vienna has long been a pivotal location in European history, shaping imperial politics, hosting landmark diplomatic negotiations, and nurturing artistic, cultural and…
- Kyoto · 49 min · Season 5 Episode 6Kyoto stands as Japan’s thousand-year imperial heart, in which courtly ritual, Buddhist thought, and architectural artistry crystallised into the nation’s cultural centre. In…
- Boston · 39 min · Season 5 Episode 5As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston played a pivotal role in the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, as well as the signing of the Declaration of…
- Siena · 52 min · Season 5 Episode 4Siena stands as a brick-and-marble time capsule of the Middle Ages, where banking ambition, artistic revolution, and fierce civic identity fused into one of the great medieval…
- Glasgow · 30 min · Season 5 Episode 3Glasgow, once the beating heart of Scotland’s industry and trade, forged a legacy of innovation and culture that still shapes the modern nation. In this episode of History’s…
- Samarkand · 29 min · Season 5 Episode 2Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by author Bradley Mayhew to explore Samarkand, the ancient Uzbek city and major hub on the Silk Roads. Together, they…
- Kraków · 43 min · Season 5 Episode 1Serving as a medieval royal capital, Kraków was a vibrant historical centre of culture, learning and commerce, symbolising the region’s political and intellectual life for…
- 2026’s must-visit historical destinations · 31 min · Season 4 Episode 10Thinking about booking a big historical trip in 2026? In this bonus episode of History’s Greatest Cities, travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by Tom Hall…
- Bath · 32 min · Season 4 Episode 9As celebrations for the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth unfold, we're exploring one of the places she called home: Bath. In this special episode, travel writer and…
- Marrakech · 35 min · Season 4 Episode 8From medieval Islamic roots and conquest by successive dynasties, to French colonial rule and a modern evolution, Marrakech has a rich heritage – and many eye-catching monuments…
- Sydney · 34 min · Season 4 Episode 7Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield and historian Laila Ellmoos explore the history of an iconic Australian tourist destination – Sydney. Together they introduce the…
- Beijing · 26 min · Season 4 Episode 6Beijing’s history stretches back many centuries, so how has it survived and become the rapidly changing capital of one of the world's fastest-growing economies? Travel writer and…
- Kingston · 38 min · Season 4 Episode 5From early Taino inhabitants to Spanish colonisation and capture by the British, through the era of the transatlantic slave trade up to independence and the growth of the modern…
- Buenos Aires · 37 min · Season 4 Episode 4Buenos Aires is a diverse and multinational city with a short but vibrant history. In this episode, academic Jason Wilson leads travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield…
- New York City · 45 min · Season 4 Episode 3Historian Kara Schlichting leads travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield through the diverse stories of the city which we now know as the ‘Five Boroughs’ – New York City…
- Antwerp · 35 min · Season 4 Episode 2Michael Pye roams the streets of the Belgian city dominated by a medieval fortress and graced by Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance monuments Renowned for its busy port and leading…
- Barcelona · 40 min · Season 4 Episode 1Barcelona may be well known for the bustling La Rambla, Gaudi's soaring Sagrada Família and, of course, its lively bars and restaurants, but that’s not all there is to there is…
- History's Greatest Cities | Season 4 · 1 min · Season 4How did the world’s greatest cities become just that – great? Was it location, determination or simple serendipity? This is the question behind History’s Greatest Cities, from…
- Introducing History's Greatest Battles | New Podcast · 1 minVicious civil wars. Gruelling sieges. Rebellious provinces, galling betrayals and tribes seeking revenge… Join us for the first series of History’s Greatest Battles, where we’re…
