The city was given an 83.7 per cent ‘beauty score’ based on the ‘golden ratio’, with landmarks such as its Roman city walls and Norman cathedral helping it to clinch first place
The quaint city of Chester has outshone global hotspots like Venice and Barcelona to be named the world’s most beautiful.
Boasting Roman walls that have stood for over two millennia, the north west city scored an impressive 83.7 per cent on the “beauty scale”, calculated using the principles of the “golden ratio”. Chester’s rich tapestry weaves together tales of Roman legions, Norman conquerors, and Viking marauders.
The study by Online Mortgage Advisor, which was highlighted in the Express, utilised Google Street View to gauge the architectural magnificence of countless homes, landmarks, and streets across the globe. The research underscored the golden ratio’s prominence in art history, stating: “Artists over the last few centuries have incorporated the golden ratio into their work, believing it to be a gold standard in natural aesthetic perfection.”
Not only does Chester house the Eastgate Clock, erected in 1897 and reputed to be England’s second-most snapped clock after London’s iconic Big Ben, but it also prides itself on Chester Cathedral. This historic edifice is a chronicle of ages past, with the country’s most intact monastic buildings, featuring Gothic arches, stained glass, remnants of Roman barracks, and a Georgian square nestled beside it, reports Birmingham Live.
A Tripadvisor user was left in awe, saying: “Another beautiful building that is a pleasure to just wander around and admire the craftsmanship from an age without computers and apps and Google. It’s a lovely fine old building.” Ian also shared his enthusiasm: “Magnificent cathedral with cloisters which is well worth visiting. They don’t charge to go in but welcome a donation. Good cafe and shop within too with friendly and helpful staff. This was one of our highlights of Chester.”
London and Belfast were also praised for their beauty, scoring 83 per cent and 82.9 per cent respectively in the study. Chester narrowly beat Venice, which scored 83.3 per cent, while Rome and Barcelona were not far behind with scores of 82 per cent and 81.9 per cent. Settled by Romans soldiers who named it Fortress Diva after the local River Dee, Chester is among the most significant Roman settlements in Britain. The city walls are the longest, oldest and most intact in Britain, with parts of them almost 2,000 years old, offering an elevated city view on one side and a distant view of Welsh mountains on the other. Historians recently rebranded Chester as the Original City of Love, with its medieval row of galleries selling wedding and engagements rings since the 1700s. Famous for its black and white buildings, the city is perfect for a romantic stroll.
