British online mortgage broker Online Mortgage Advisor sifted through hundreds of locations around the world to decide which city was the most beautiful. It’s not Venice, Vienna, or even Prague: it’s the small town of Chester, in the United Kingdom, which tops the ranking.
The evaluation focused on the architectural beauty of the buildings, more precisely on the number of those which respect the golden ratio, which symbolizes the perfect aesthetic of a building. It turns out that the golden ratio applies to 87.6% of constructions in Chester, more than in all other cities, as reported by the German magazine “Heute”.
Chester dethrones Venice, London and Rome
Table of Contents
- 1. Chester dethrones Venice, London and Rome
- 2. Calculation of the golden ratio
- 3. What factors contributed to Chester surpassing Venice in the “Moast Lovely City” ranking, according to Global City Aesthetics (GCA)?
- 4. Chester Tops Venice: Britain’s Newest “Most Beautiful City” in the World Ranking
- 5. The Upset: How Chester Claimed the Crown
- 6. Decoding the Rankings: Methodology and Key Factors
- 7. Chester’s Allure: A Deep Dive into its Key Attractions
- 8. Venice vs. Chester: A Comparative Analysis
- 9. The Impact on tourism: What to Expect
- 10. Practical tips for Visiting Chester
- 11. Chester and Lasting Tourism
Supposed to create balanced shapes that are pleasing to the eye, the golden ratio is often used in architecture. This proportion was even already used for the Parthenon in Athens.
While in the UK the study also included small towns, internationally it only looked at metropolises. Venice, where 83.3% of buildings respect the golden ratio, thus occupies second place in the ranking. The Serenissima is followed by London (83%) and Rome (82%).
Calculation of the golden ratio
The golden ratio of a divided segment applies when the ratio of the entire segment to the largest part is equal to the ratio of the largest to the smallest part.
Example: An entire segment of one meter (100 centimeters) should be divided so that a large part is 61.8 cm and a small part is 38.2 cm. Indeed, if we divide 100 by 61.8, we obtain the same ratio as if we divide 61.8 by 38.2.
What factors contributed to Chester surpassing Venice in the “Moast Lovely City” ranking, according to Global City Aesthetics (GCA)?
Chester Tops Venice: Britain’s Newest “Most Beautiful City” in the World Ranking
The Upset: How Chester Claimed the Crown
Recent global rankings have sent ripples through the travel world: Chester, England, has surpassed Venice, Italy, to claim the title of “Most Beautiful City” in a widely-cited, self-reliant survey.This surprising result has sparked debate and ignited renewed interest in the historic walled city. but what propelled Chester to the top, and what does this mean for tourism in both cities? This article delves into the factors behind Chester’s ascent, exploring its unique appeal and comparing it to the enduring charm of Venice. We’ll cover everything from historical significance and architectural beauty to modern amenities and visitor experiences.
Decoding the Rankings: Methodology and Key Factors
The ranking, conducted by travel analytics firm ‘Global City Aesthetics’ (GCA), utilized a complex algorithm considering several key metrics:
* Architectural Harmony: Assessing the aesthetic consistency and historical preservation of buildings.
* green Spaces & Waterways: Evaluating the integration of parks, gardens, and rivers within the urban landscape.
* Cultural Richness: Measuring the density of museums, galleries, theaters, and historical sites.
* Walkability & Public Spaces: Analyzing pedestrian-pleasant areas and the quality of public squares.
* visitor Sentiment: Aggregating reviews and social media data to gauge overall visitor satisfaction.
* Sustainability Initiatives: Assessing the city’s commitment to environmental protection and responsible tourism.
GCA’s report highlighted Chester’s exceptional performance in architectural harmony and walkability, areas where Venice, facing challenges from overtourism and subsidence, showed relative weaknesses. The report specifically praised Chester’s remarkably preserved roman walls and Tudor-style architecture.
Chester’s Allure: A Deep Dive into its Key Attractions
Chester’s beauty isn’t a recent phenomenon, but its recognition on a global scale is. Here’s a breakdown of what makes it so special:
* The Walls: Chester’s complete city walls, the most complete in Britain, offer a unique walking experience and panoramic views. These Roman fortifications, dating back to 79 AD, are a testament to the city’s long and storied history.
* The Rows: These distinctive medieval two-tiered walkways,unique to Chester,provide sheltered shopping and dining experiences. They are a prime example of the city’s architectural ingenuity.
* Chester Cathedral: A stunning example of Gothic architecture, Chester Cathedral boasts a rich history dating back to the 11th century.
* River Dee: The tranquil River dee offers picturesque boat trips and riverside walks,adding to the city’s scenic appeal.
* Roman Amphitheatre: The largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain, offering a glimpse into Chester’s Roman past.
* Black and White Buildings: The timber-framed buildings throughout the city center create a charming and historic atmosphere.
Venice vs. Chester: A Comparative Analysis
While Venice remains an iconic destination,the GCA ranking suggests Chester offers a more consistently beautiful and accessible experience currently. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Venice, Italy | Chester, England |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance | Roman, Tudor, Victorian |
| walkability | Can be crowded & challenging | Highly walkable & pedestrianized |
| Crowds | Extremely high, especially peak season | Moderate, more manageable |
| Cost | generally more expensive | More affordable |
| Preservation | Facing challenges from subsidence & tourism | Well-preserved, ongoing efforts |
| Waterways | Canals are central to the city | River Dee provides scenic views |
The Impact on tourism: What to Expect
Chester’s newfound recognition is expected to significantly boost tourism. local businesses are already reporting increased inquiries and bookings.
* Increased Visitor Numbers: A surge in both domestic and international tourists is anticipated.
* Economic Growth: The tourism sector is expected to experience significant growth,creating new jobs and opportunities.
* Infrastructure Investment: The city council is planning investments in infrastructure to accommodate the increased visitor numbers, including improved public transport and enhanced visitor facilities.
* preservation Efforts: Increased funding for the preservation of Chester’s historic buildings and monuments is highly likely.
Practical tips for Visiting Chester
Planning a trip to Britain’s newest “Most Beautiful City”? here are some tips:
* Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
* Accommodation: Chester offers a range of accommodation options, from boutique hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts. Book in advance, especially during peak season.
* Getting Around: Chester is easily walkable. Consider a guided walking tour to learn about the city’s history.
* Must-Try Experiences: Walk the city walls,explore the Rows,visit Chester Cathedral,and take a boat trip on the river Dee.
* Local Cuisine: Sample traditional Cheshire cheese and enjoy a pub lunch in one of Chester’s historic pubs.
Chester and Lasting Tourism
Chester is actively promoting sustainable
