Barcelona 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 to the historic Spanish city. Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield joins historian Andrew Dowling to explore not just the iconic thoroughfares and medieval gothic quarter, but also the less-visited sites that speak of pivotal episodes and eras, or reflect the city’s proud Catalan culture and heritage. Along the way, they’ll also meet some of the people who helped shape Barcelona, as well as seeking out spots to enjoy favoured food and drink.
History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at historyextra.com/podcast.
For more fascinating stories from the past, check out BBC History Magazine or head to HistoryExtra.com.
We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.
You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/.
This episode was hosted by Paul Bloomfield and produced by Jack Bateman.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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42:06
History's Greatest Cities | Season 4
How 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 HistoryExtra. Join travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield for the latest series, as he ventures to great cities in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas – all in the company of expert guides with rich local and historical knowledge.
Along the way, they’ll meet some of the colourful characters who played key roles in shaping these cities and take in the most captivating historical sites – from temples and palaces to markets and museums. They’ll also sample the cultural delights of each place and share insider tips to help visitors discover little-known facets of these extraordinary destinations.
History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at historyextra.com/podcast.
For more fascinating stories from the past, check out BBC History Magazine or head to HistoryExtra.com.
We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.
You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here:
On Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4fgRA1d
Anywhere Else: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/
This episode was hosted by Paul Bloomfield and produced by Jack Bateman.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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1:02
Introducing History's Greatest Battles | New Podcast
Vicious 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 heading back to the Roman empire. Emily Briffett is joined by historian Dr Adrian Goldsworthy to look back at five of the most fascinating clashes of this ancient civilisation, taking in the action blow by blow and identifying the major moments and key commanders that shaped events. They’ll also be uncovering what the military engagements of this mighty superpower can reveal about the age of the emperors, and asking: how history might have turned out differently had things gone the other way?
Series 1 is live now.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/historys-greatest-battles/id1794311126
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ph7KUocWnqPREhTZa44Mb
Listen everywhere else by searching: History's Greatest Battles
You can listen ad-free, access episodes early and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://apple.co/4fgRA1d.
History's Greatest Cities returns soon!
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1:15
Edinburgh
How was Edinburgh transformed from an ancient defensive site on top of a volcanic crag into a major centre of power, faith, commerce, and learning? In this second of our two festive bonus episodes, travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by historian Rosemary Goring to visit a city that really lights up at New Year: Scotland’s magnificent capital, Edinburgh. Along the way, they’ll meet some of the colourful characters that shaped the city, and lead listeners through the most captivating historic sites and moments. As well as touching on the colours and sounds of Hogmanay, they’ll sample Edinburgh’s cultural delights, sharing top insider travel tips.
History’s Greatest Cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine and HistoryExtra. For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. There you can find other feeds including the HistoryExtra Podcast, History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories and HistoryExtra Long Reads. Find out more at historyextra.com/podcast.
We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.
You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://apple.co/4fgRA1d.
This episode was hosted by Paul Bloomfield and produced by Jack Bateman.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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41:47
Munich
Munich may be well-known for its sparkling, aromatic Christmas markets. But beyond the foaming steins of beer and the wafting aroma of glühwein, it’s also a city that has experienced both greatness and turbulence over more than eight centuries, growing from ecclesiastical beginnings to become today’s fascinating city rich in gothic and baroque architecture. In this first of our two festive bonus episodes, travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by official tour guide Christine Lehner to explore Bavaria’s historic powerhouse. Along the way, they’ll meet some of the colourful characters who shaped the city and visit the most captivating historic sites – including those tempting markets. Plus, they’ll sample some of Munich’s cultural delights, sharing top insider travel tips.
History’s Greatest Cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine and HistoryExtra. For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. There you can find other feeds including the HistoryExtra Podcast, History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories and HistoryExtra Long Reads. Find out more at historyextra.com/podcast.
We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.
You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://apple.co/4fgRA1d.
This episode was hosted by Paul Bloomfield and produced by Jack Bateman.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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.
History’s Greatest Cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine and HistoryExtra. For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. There you can find other feeds including the HistoryExtra Podcast, History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories and HistoryExtra Long Reads. Find out more at historyextra.com/podcast.
We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.
You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/
UK