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A group of mathematicians has declared Chester, England as the most beautiful city in the world, surpassing Venice, Italy which came in second place.
A research project utilized Google Street View to evaluate cities in the UK and globally, and arranged them according to the proportion of buildings that followed the “golden ratio”.
The ratio of 1:1.618, known as the golden ratio, has fascinated mathematicians for centuries. This proportion can often be found in nature, such as in flowers and shells. Despite not fully understanding the reasons, scientists have observed that humans perceive objects with this ratio as particularly beautiful.
Chester is a highly important city in the history of England. It boasts a cathedral that is over 1,000 years old, the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain, and the oldest racecourse in the country.
Based on the research, Chester was found to be the most aesthetically pleasing city in the world, with 83.7% of its buildings adhering to the golden ratio. This placed it ahead of Venice, which scored 83.3%, and London, which came in third with a score of 82%.
Chester’s row houses, downtown shops, and the iconic Eastgate Clock are all significant historical landmarks in the city.
The Grosvenor Shopping Centre, Chester
According to Online Mortgage Advisor’s study, their team examined over 2,400 structures within the United Kingdom. They found that London ranked second among British cities, with Chester taking the top spot. The remaining three spots in the UK’s top five were claimed by Belfast, Liverpool, and Durham.
The popularity of Venice draws in countless visitors every year from all corners of the globe. Due to this high demand, the city has implemented a fee for entry.
The research indicates that numerous artists have integrated the “golden ratio” into their creations, considering it to represent the ultimate standard of “natural aesthetic perfection”. By applying this ratio to assess typical structures and famous landmarks, the study aimed to determine which city, both in the UK and globally, can be deemed as having the most visually appealing architecture.
In the study, London was ranked as the second most beautiful city in the UK and third overall.
The City Hall overlooks the streets of Belfast, located in Northern Ireland.
According to a recent blog post on the University of Chester’s website by Dr. Rebecca Andrew, a professor of history, HV Morton, a renowned travel writer, wrote about his trip to the city in his widely-read travel book “In Search of England” almost a century ago.
“He discussed the distinctiveness of the city and its architecture, stating, ‘There is nothing comparable in any other English town – the Chester Rows’. Morton was captivated by these buildings, their past, and the luck of those living in such a location; Chester is abundant with stunning, historic structures, he observed, to the point where it was not unusual for people to have coffee in a medieval crypt.”
The Three Graces of Liverpool illuminated on the waterfront during the evening.
Visitors were able to observe the displays at Durham Cathedral during a photo opportunity for Lumiere 2023.
“I believe that the stunning aesthetics of this city are often overlooked, when in reality, they are the primary reason why people choose to come here, reside here, and invest in it. Once they arrive, they also discover the charm of its inhabitants, rich past, and diverse culture.”
He stated, “We should take full advantage of the golden ratio.”
Source: independent.co.uk
