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History's Greatest Cities: Siena

History's Greatest Cities: Siena

Paul Bloomfield is joined by archaeologist and researcher Lucy Shipley to explore Siena, a brick-and-marble time capsule of the Middle Ages

Paul Bloomfield

Published: October 29, 2026 at 9:34 AM

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Siena 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 Italian city states. Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by archaeologist and researcher Lucy Shipley to explore this enchanting Tuscan city. Together they explore the city’s early years as a Roman military colony, its flourishing in the Middle Ages, and its later decline and revival. Along the way, they meet important figures who played major roles in Siena's story – and recommend top tips for eager travellers.

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.

Authors

Paul BloomfieldWriter and editor

Paul Bloomfield is a writer and editor who has contributed to BBC History Magazine since 2013. He's worked in various publishing roles for over a quarter of a century, holding staff positions at the likes of Lonely Planet Publications, Wanderlust magazine and BBC Wildlife Magazine.

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