History's Greatest Cities: Antwerp

Michael Pye roams the streets of the Belgian city dominated by a medieval fortress and graced by Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance monuments

Published: June 6, 2025 at 7:02 AM

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Renowned for its busy port and leading role in the diamond trade, Antwerp's story has plenty of booms and busts that shaped both its physical form and its psyche.

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Historian and author Michael Pye leads travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield around Flanders’ leading city, virtually exploring its old centre, market squares and stately thoroughfares. Along the way, they’ll meet some of the figures who played key roles in the development of Antwerp, and seek out spots to enjoy typical food and drink.

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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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