The Rows (Chester) Tourism

The Rows in Chester, United Kingdom, are an architectural marvel unique to the city, offering a distinctive two-tiered medieval shopping experience. Dating back to the 13th century, Chester's Rows are a series of half-timbered buildings with a continuous walkway running along the first floor of shops and residences. This structure creates a two-level street front, with the lower level set back behind the upper tier's prominent line. While the true origin of the Rows remains a mystery, they are thought to have been built on top of Roman ruins. The design effectively doubles the shopping frontage and provides sheltered access to the shops, which is especially appreciated during inclement weather. The Rows are located within Chester's city walls and encompass the four main streets of the city: Eastgate Street, Watergate Street, Bridge Street, and Northgate Street. As an iconic historical landmark, they attract numerous visitors interested in the rich heritage, boutique shopping, and quaint ambiance. The black and white half-timbered facades lend the Rows a distinct appearance that oozes old-world charm, making them a photographic hot spot and a quintessential Chester experience.