Historic UK city beats Venice and Vienna in beauty rankings based on ‘golden ratio’

In a surprising revelation, the quaint British city of Chester has been declared the world’s prettiest, outshining iconic destinations like Venice and Vienna. Researchers employed a mathematical formula based on the “golden ratio” to gauge the architectural aesthetics of cities worldwide, and Chester emerged as the victor.

Renowned for its rich history, Chester boasts landmarks such as the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain and the country’s oldest racecourse. The study measured the prevalence of the ‘golden ratio’ in the city’s buildings—a mathematical equation representing natural aesthetic perfection. The ‘golden ratio’ analysis wasn’t limited to traditional structures but included a range of iconic landmarks and designs by visionaries like Le Corbusier and Leonardo da Vinci.

Chester scored an impressive 83.7 percent in the study, securing its position as the world’s most beautiful city. Venice closely followed with 83.3 percent, while London claimed the third spot with 82 percent. Researchers utilized Google Street View to meticulously examine thousands of front-facing photos, plotting points at each building’s corner to calculate the mathematical ratios.

Dr. Rebecca Andrew, Senior Lecturer in History at the University of Chester, highlighted the city’s enduring popularity among tourists. She shared insights from HV Morton’s travelogue ‘In Search of England,’ where the author, almost a century ago, marveled at Chester’s uniqueness, particularly its iconic Rows. Morton’s fascination with these structures reflected the sentiment that Chester is a city rich in beautiful, ancient buildings.

Chester’s architectural treasures include Tudor landmarks like Chester Town Hall, Eaton Hall, and Bishop Lloyd’s House. The city is renowned for having the most complete city walls in Britain, adding to its allure. With significant Tudor history, a castle, and one of the largest zoos in the country, Chester’s charm extends beyond its picturesque façade.

As the city revels in its newfound title, Chester’s recognition as the world’s prettiest city adds another layer to its historical and cultural significance.