logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2023
46m 43s

Florence

History Extra
About this episode
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 joi ... Show More
Up next
May 2026
Tunis
To 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 archaeologist Dr Eve MacDonald. Together, they explore theatres, mosques and markets, and meet some of the k ... Show More
38m 25s
May 2026
Vienna
Vienna has long been a pivotal location in European history, shaping imperial politics, hosting landmark diplomatic negotiations, and nurturing artistic, cultural and intellectual movements that spread throughout the continent. In this episode of History’s Greatest Cities, travel ... Show More
38m 19s
Apr 2026
Kyoto
Kyoto 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 this episode, travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by historian and author Lesley Dow ... Show More
48m 55s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2010
AT#242 - Day Trips from Florence, Italy
The Amateur Traveler talks to Italophile Ira Bernstein who returns to the show to talk about day trips in Tuscany that you can take from Florence. We talk about visiting the walled city of Siena and its famous bareback horse race the palio, viewing the many towers of San Gimignan ... Show More
38m 22s
Aug 2022
Dreamy Views of Florence
Narrator: Thomas Jones 🇬🇧 Writer: Alexandra ✍️ Sound design: footsteps on stone, Italian street ambience 👞🇮🇹   Welcome back, sleepyheads. Tonight, we’ll take a relaxing trip to the beautiful city of Florence in Italy. As you explore the streets and discover its historical tr ... Show More
52m 55s
Jun 2025
572. The Medici: Masters of Florence (Part 1)
What are the origins of one of history’s most glittering, and for a time, most powerful families in Europe; the Medici? How were they able to seize supreme power in the Republic of Florence , one of the most dazzling cities in the world, during the 15th century, at the height of ... Show More
1h 3m
Oct 2025
The Best Places to Travel and Eat in Italy with Katie and Ryan
Katie and Ryan are back from an unforgettable two-week adventure in Italy, and they’re spilling all the best tips and stories—from starting in Nerano (where they got married!) on the Amalfi Coast, to wandering through Umbria with a behind-the-scenes tour of Brunello Cucinelli’s h ... Show More
43m 32s
Nov 2025
ITALY TRAVELOGUE - 2025
Viva l'Italia! We took 50 listeners on an epic journey filled with history, architecture, camaraderie and SO MUCH delicious food! From the ancient layers of Rome through the castles and hilltop villages of Tuscany, the art and influence of the Medici in Florence, to the romance o ... Show More
1h 44m
Aug 2025
Museums, Landmarks and Sightseeing in Italy | Italian for Travelers | S2 Ep16
In today’s episode, we learn about visiting cultural landmarks and etiquette for enjoying the art, history and natural beauty of Italy, from its museums to its churches. Elisa also teaches us how to talk about what we see, as well as tips about tickets, opening hours, tours and g ... Show More
27m 35s
Aug 2024
Rise of the Medici
<p>The House of Medici ruthlessly wielded control of Florence for nearly 300 years. Through financial and political machinations, they transformed the city into a cultural powerhouse and the epicentre of the Renaissance, spawning popes and royalty along the way.&nbsp;</p><br><p> ... Show More
40m 13s
Aug 2024
Our Summer Trip to Italy: All the Secret Spots Revealed
Katie talks about her favorite place in the world to travel, Italy. She’s been numerous times beginning in college when she studied abroad in Florence, to her most recent family vacation to Ischia and Nerano with Iris and Ryan this summer.She reveals all of her top dining spots i ... Show More
23m 7s
Dec 2013
The Medici
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Medici family, who dominated Florence's political and cultural life for three centuries. The House of Medici came to prominence in Italy in the fifteenth century as a result of the wealth they had built up through banking. With the rise of ... Show More
42m 3s