It might sound impossible for a small cathedral city in the north-west of England to outshine Venice’s canals or Barcelona’s golden boulevards, yet travellers are insisting that Chester, in Cheshire, does exactly that.

According to a new global study by Ski Vertigo, the historic city has been crowned the most beautiful in the world, scoring an extraordinary 83.7% for its harmony and symmetry, narrowly beating Venice at 83.3% and Rome at 82%. The results were based on the golden ratio, a mathematical principle long linked to aesthetic perfection in art and architecture.

The findings have surprised many, but not those who know Chester’s charm first-hand.

With its cobbled streets, medieval timber facades and gently curving city walls, this riverside gem has quietly held onto its beauty for over two millennia, long before Instagram made “picturesque” a global pursuit.

Travel experts at Ski Vertigo describe Chester as one of Britain’s best-preserved historic destinations, noting how it “effortlessly combines ancient architecture with modern vibrancy.”

Travellers, too, have been quick to draw comparisons with Europe’s greats, calling Chester “prettier than Venice” and “more romantic than Barcelona.”

Founded as a Roman fortress more than 2,000 years ago, Chester remains wrapped in the most complete set of city walls in England. Walking their full circuit reveals the story of a city built for both beauty and defence, passing towers, gardens and gateways before opening into a maze of narrow lanes and half-timbered houses.

At its centre stands the Eastgate Clock, a striking Victorian landmark built in 1897 for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Perched proudly above the gateway, it’s said to be the most photographed clock in England after Big Ben.

Nearby, the Gothic splendour of Chester Cathedral adds to the skyline’s drama. Inside, sunlight filters through centuries-old stained glass onto peaceful cloisters and vaulted ceilings. Many visitors describe it as “moving” rather than simply beautiful.

For those seeking calm, a stroll along the River Dee offers serene views of stone bridges and autumnal trees, while the hum of rowing boats replaces the gondolas of Venice. In spring and summer, picnics on the riverbank give way to outdoor concerts and open-air theatre at the Storyhouse, Chester’s cultural hub.

For a city smaller than most European capitals, Chester’s global triumph is nothing short of remarkable. It may lack the gondolas of Venice or the Gaudí spires of Barcelona, but in the eyes of travellers, it’s every bit as beautiful, if not more so.