Pretty UK town is 'the prettiest in the world' outranking Barcelona and Venice
A picturesque cathedral city in northwest England has been declared the most stunning destination on Earth, beating beloved Italian hotspots Venice and Rome.
The study, carried out by Online Mortgage Advisor, used Google Street View to assess the architectural beauty of countless homes, monuments and thoroughfares across the globe.
Chester, renowned for its ancient Roman city walls spanning more than 2,000 years, achieved an impressive 83.7 per cent 'beauty score' according to the 'golden ratio'. It comes after the Mirror revealed the "secret route" to iconic UK landmark.
The research, highlighting the golden ratio's importance in artistic circles, observed: "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."
With Chester's rich heritage encompassing Roman legions, Norman invaders, and Viking raiders, alongside its architectural excellence, the destination offers plenty for holidaymakers, reports the Express.
The city boasts the Eastgate Clock, constructed in 1897, which is widely regarded as England's second most photographed timepiece after Big Ben.
Meanwhile, Chester Cathedral stands as a monument to history itself, housing the nation's most comprehensive collection of monastic structures.
The masterpiece showcases distinctive Gothic arches, coloured glass windows, Roman barracks and a Georgian square positioned directly beside it. Tony H shared his experience on TripAdvisor, saying: "What struck me was the feeling of history that swept over me as we walked round. Having visited quite a few cathedrals in the past, including Notre Dame several years ago, I have never had that feeling before. Everywhere, including the courtyard, just felt steeped in history."
The golden ratio, often referred to as the 'divine proportion,' is seen everywhere in art, architecture, and even nature. It seems science has finally settled the 'can beauty be measured' debate.
Other UK cities that made the cut for their beauty include London and Belfast, scoring 83 percent and 82.9 percent respectively. On a global scale, Chester was closely followed by Venice, which scored 83.3 per cent; Rome, with 82 per cent; and Barcelona in Spain, which scored 81.9 percent.
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