Italy's Invisible Cities

Season 1

Using cutting edge technology and 3D scanners, the hidden treasures that lie beneath Naples, Venice and Florence are exposed and explored. Dr Michael Scott and Alexander Armstrong discover hidden tunnels, historic passageways and even long-forgotten torture chambers. By delving into the unseen architecture of these famous places, a lost history is unearthed.

20173 episodes

13+

Special Interest

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Episode number
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S1 E1 - Naples
January 3, 2017
59min
TV-G
The hidden history of Naples, including its earliest Greek and Roman origins, lies beneath the city's bustling streets. Historian Dr Michael Scott and history buff Alexander Armstrong delve into a labyrinth of fascinating underground spaces that helped build and sustain the city. Using cutting edge technology they reveal vast subterranean caverns and wonder what, exactly, is holding the city up!
Free trial of BBC Select
S1 E2 - Venice
January 10, 2017
59min
TV-G
The romantic watery wonderland of Venice was actually built on a swamp. Despite this, it became one of the most powerful places in Medieval Europe. Historian Dr Michael Scott and history fanatic Alexander Armstrong delve beneath the city's famous canals. They uncover the reason why Venice is slowing sinking and try to work out what, if anything, can be done to save it.
Free trial of BBC Select
S1 E3 - Florence
January 24, 2017
59min
TV-G
The wonderful facades and world renowned artworks of Florence mask a hidden story of intrigue and secrecy. Alexander Armstrong and Dr Michael Scott explore this most romantic of cities and learn about the powerful dynasty behind its establishment: the Medici. A virtual reality 3D model reveals how the city's secret corridors of power were the foundation of Florence's Renaissance glory.
Free trial of BBC Select