Chester, the walled and magical english city, England

There are cities that when you visit, you fall in love because they have something magical in the environment, a special aura that makes them unique and unforgettable. And the historic Chester is one of them.

Perhaps because it seems that it is anchored in time, perhaps because it is the best preserved walled city in England, perhaps for its Roman ruins or perhaps for its charming medieval houses that run through a pedestrian old town full of flavor and atmosphere.

What is clear is that it is one of the most historic cities in England and that is why during our trip to Liverpool we decided to spend a day there. Today I tell you what to see and do in Chester, the magical and walled English city.

Where is Chester

Chester is located northwest of England, on the border with Wales and has neighboring cities as important as Liverpool or Manchester. Arriving from both cities is very easy since it is well connected by train.

It is the capital of Cheshire County and has a population of approximately 120,000 inhabitants. In summer time is when it receives more visitors.

Chester’s brief history

Summarize in a few paragraphs the history of a city is almost a sacrilege but I do not want to get tired of history lessons because it is neither the objective of this blog nor I am an expert on the subject.

Chester was founded by Emperor Vespasian in 79 AD to defend the fertile lands of the River Dee.

What began as a Roman camp ended up being a thriving city that suffered Celtic and Viking invasions but it is in the Middle Ages when it experiences great growth, especially between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries due to its strategic location and its commercial port.

Curiously, it was much more important than neighboring Liverpool, founded in 1207 as a seaport to conquer Ireland. But it was in 1599 when Chester finally lost his hegemony in the area since the ships could not arrive by river and Liverpool became important at Chester’s expense.

It continued to grow in the shadow of Liverpool and today it is an average city of more than 100,000 inhabitants that, thanks to its prolific history, is filled with visitors eager to discover its well-preserved and charming medieval old town or its Roman walls.

What to see in and do Chester.

Take a walk and buy

The Roman model of grid streets makes it easy to visit the historic center on foot and all its monuments. It is a delight to explore the historic center full of medieval houses, Roman ruins and its festive shopping environment. Because this city has a well-deserved reputation as a shopping paradise.

Half-timbered houses

They are one of Chester’s claims and an image that you will not forget. Impressive white facades with their wooden beams dot the main pedestrian streets of the town, giving it that old and aged air that Chester has made so famous.

Ramparts

Chester retains a magnificent walled enclosure and it is possible to walk along the walls that line the ancient city. A curious and free activity.

Chester’s Norman Cathedral

It is another of the main points of interest of the city. Located in the town hall square, this imposing building that began to be built in 1,250 is one of the most visited monuments. Do not miss its windows, the roof of the central nave or the views from its tower.

Eastgate Street

It is the main artery of the city and a place of forced passage of locals and everyone who visits Chester. The Cross, a medieval cross in a small square where the 4 most important streets converge, is always lively and at any time you can see shows of street artists.

Eastgate iron watch.

At the east entrance door to the old town there is a special clock and they say that after Big Ben, it is the world’s most photographed clock. When the old gate of the wall was demolished and this arch was built, it was decided to build a clock on it to celebrate the jubilee of Queen Victoria.

On an iron structure, it was inaugurated in 1899 coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Queen Victoria and today is one of the tourist attractions and most photographed place of the charming Chester. The truth is that very striking and photogenic.

Chester Roman Amphitheater

It was the largest in Britain in Roman times and served as entertainment and military training. If you walk south of the walls you will see it perfectly, although you have to put imagination because there is not much left of it.

Chester also has an important zoo, considered one of the most important in England. It has more than 12,000 animals and 1.6 million people visit it every year.