Episode #275: Must-Listen Italian History, Travel and Language Podcasts for Curious Travelers

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Thinking about a trip to Italy and eager to immerse yourself in its history, culture, and language beforehand? We introduce you to the top Italy-themed podcasts – from the mysteries of ancient Rome and the city-state power battles of the Middle Ages to the vibrant life, food and ongoing traditions in modern-day Italy.

Contents

Summary

Ready to brush up on your Italian history, culture, and language before your next adventure? In this episode of Untold Italy, host Katy Clarke shares her favorite podcasts to fuel your wanderlust, keep you entertained on long journeys, and immerse you in all things Italy. Whether you want to dive into fascinating stories from ancient Rome, sharpen your Italian language listening skills, or get the inside scoop on modern Italian life, Katy has recommendations that will inspire and inform.

What you’ll learn in this episode

As Untold Italy founder Katy prepares for her next trip to Italy, she is downloading all her favorite podcasts, ready for her (very) long flight from Australia to Italy. She shares some of her favorite podcasts, which delve into the history and culture of Italy:

Historic Podcasts

The Rest is History (Apple / YouTube) – hosted by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook (British).

Currently has a mini series exploring the life of Hannibal, also known as Rome’s greatest enemy. They also have episodes on the Roman emperors and influential women in Rome, the Romans in Britain, the real story of Cleopatra, and her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, Lord Byron’s adventures in Italy, and more.

Empire (Apple / Spotify) – hosted by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple (British).

Many episodes on ancient Rome. I also really enjoyed their discussion about Byzantine empress Theodora, who was a force of nature and is featured in a series of spectacular mosaics in the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna.

The Emperors of Rome (Apple / Spotify) – members of the faculty of Australian National University and Latrobe University.

This podcast does a deep dive into the characters of ancient Rome, the Republic and the Empire, as well as aspects of life in those times, from dining to gladiatorial battles.

The Ancients (Apple / Spotify) – hosted by Tristan Hughes, author and specialist in ancient history.

With lots of qualified historians and archaeologists as guests, the episodes dig deep into the origins, challenges and mysteries of ancient civilizations, with lots of information on ancient Rome, but also on the Etruscans of central Italy, who pre-dated the Romans.

Gone Medieval (Apple / Spotify) – hosted by Dr Eleanor Janega and Matt Lewis.

With a plethora of Italian content including their interview with Delizia: The Epic History of Italians and their Food author John Dickie, Professor of Italian Studies at University College London on the Medieval origins of Italian, and an episode on Medieval Italy and the complicated rivalry between competing city states from north to south.

Not just the Tudors (Apple / Spotify / Website) – hosted by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb.

This podcast features experts on this era of history, particularly in the UK and Europe – a great choice for those of you who are enthralled by the stories of Henry VIII and the fate of his many wives. Italy-wise, there is content on the Medici and their rise to power, a mini series on the Borgias and an episode on Giordano Bruno as per the brooding statue at the center of Campo de’ Fiori in Rome. Music lovers will enjoy the story about Venetian orphan Anna Maria della Pietà, who developed into a musical prodigy and Vivaldi’s favorite student.

Italian Language Podcasts

Coffee Break Italian (Apple / Spotify / Website) – hosted by Francesca and Mark.

A fun and engaging show focusing on particular quirks of the Italian language, including specific phrases and word placement.

News in Slow Italian (Apple / Spotify / Website)

Great for learning new vocabulary, hearing correct pronunciation, understanding grammar in context and learning about current topics and Italian culture… all in Italian. Available for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

General Italy and food podcasts

Ciao Bella (Apple / Spotify / Website) – hosted by Erica Firpo.

Erica was one of the first guests on Untold Italy and her podcast Ciao Bella is a wonderful insight into modern Italian life and culture, covering a broad range of topics from art and fashion to food and drink.

Venice Talks (Apple / Spotify / Spotify) – hosted by Monica Cesarato.

Monica is an Untold Italy podcast favorite and specialist on all things Venice. She talks to artisans, historians and the Venice locals to give you invaluable insights into the world of this unique city built on water.

Travel podcasts outside Italy

Outside of Italy, Katy recommends these other European, country-specific travel podcasts:

Holidays to Switzerland (Apple / Spotify / Website) – hosted by Carolyn Schönafinger.

Prepare to be taken up mountains, across shimmering lakes and helped to a healthy dose of cheese and chocolate. Her show is so well-respected that it is sponsored by the Swiss tourism board.

UK Travel Planning (Apple / Spotify / Website) – hosted by Tracy and Doug Collins.

From London to the Lake District and all the way up to the top of Scotland, Tracy and Doug share lots of practical tips and advice on traveling in the UK.

Join Us in France (Apple / Spotify / Website) – hosted by Annie Sargeant.

Many years ago, in the early days of Untold Italy, Katy started following her podcast, which dives deep into travel and life in France and it has been a huge inspiration. A great listen if you’re headed to France.

Timeline Overview

05:53 History Podcasts with experts (and some British humor to boot)
07:27 Ancient and medieval history podcasts
12:04 Italian language podcasts
15:14 Inspiring podcasts for travel lovers

Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned

Places

Basilica of San Vitale – in Ravenna
Campo de’ Fiori – marketplace in the historic center of Rome

Words / Concepts

Theodora – Byzantine empress and wife of Justinian I. Becoming empress in 527. Represented in mosaics in the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna
Pax and Rubicon – books by Tom Holland on the Roman Empire
Delizia: The Epic History of Italians and their Food – book by author John Dickie
Giordano Bruno – an Italian philosopher, astronomer, mathematician, and occultist from the 1500s
Anna Maria della Pietà – an Italian violinist, composer and teacher from the 1700s who started life in an orphanage

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