Minerva’s Shrine Edgar’s Field
Discover a 2nd-century Roman shrine, the only one of its kind in Western Europe still in its original location. A unique historical gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Minerva’s Shrine Edgar’s Field
Best Time
Best light for viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a 2nd-century Roman shrine, the only one of its kind in Western Europe still in its original location. A unique historical gem.
"A fascinating 2nd century Roman shrine still in its original location, well worth taking a walk to have a look."
🎯 Follow Park Signs
Navigate via the children's play area for the easiest access to the shrine. :park:
🚶♀️ Short Walk from City
It's a worthwhile stroll over the bridge from Chester city center. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Minerva's Shrine
Edgar's Field, Handbridge
A 2nd-century Roman shrine carved into a sandstone boulder, remarkably preserved in its original setting.
Edgar's Cave
Adjacent to the shrine
A natural fissure, possibly enlarged by Romans, offering a peek into the historical landscape.
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Planning Your Visit
Discover Roman History
Navigating to the Shrine
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Follow Park Signs
Navigate via the children's play area for the easiest access to the shrine. :park:
🚶♀️ Short Walk from City
It's a worthwhile stroll over the bridge from Chester city center. :walking:
🧐 Look for Details
The stone is worn, but you can still make out the figure of Minerva. :magnifyingglasstilted_right:
⚠️ Exposed to Elements
The shrine is open-air, so be prepared for weather conditions. :cloud:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Follow Park Signs
Navigate via the children's play area for the easiest access to the shrine. :park:
🚶♀️ Short Walk from City
It's a worthwhile stroll over the bridge from Chester city center. :walking:
🧐 Look for Details
The stone is worn, but you can still make out the figure of Minerva. :magnifyingglasstilted_right:
⚠️ Exposed to Elements
The shrine is open-air, so be prepared for weather conditions. :cloud:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Minerva's Shrine a fascinating and historically significant Roman relic, unique for being in its original location. While some note minor issues like scattered litter and the shrine's exposure to the elements, the consensus is that it's a worthwhile, albeit sometimes overlooked, historical site that offers a tangible connection to Roman Britain. +1
"Fascinating 2nd century Roman shrine still in its original location. A little bit overlooked with it being over the bridge from Chester city centre but it is well worth taking a walk to have a look. There is a little bit of rubbish scattered around and I was surprised to see the shrine is completely exposed to the elements. The stone itself is heavily worn and it is difficult to make out any real features."
Paul Owens
"Minerva's Shrine in Edgar's Field, Handbridge, England, is a Grade 1 listed building and scheduled monument dating from the 2nd Century. The shrine was carved into a sandstone quarry face and is the only monument of its kind in Western Europe that remains in its original location. Minerva was the Roman Goddess of War, and her situation in Edgar's Field is accounted for by its proximity to the southern approach road to Deva, now Chester, one of Rome's principle British fortresses. A fissure next to the monument, called Edgar's Cave, is probably a natural feature which has been enlarged."
Steve Galloway
"Really cool place. 2nd century shrine carved into a large boulder on a field. The shrine is a stone calving which obviously it’s the 2nd century so it’s pretty beat up but you can make out the figure. There’s a cave hole into the boulder but it’s got bars and inaccessible but it’s only small anyway so not much to see. Definitely worth the stop tho as you won’t get to see many 2nd century carvings like this in the u.k 👍🏻"
Se an
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Minerva's Shrine is located in Edgar's Field, Handbridge, just across the River Dee from Chester city centre. While Google Maps can be unreliable, locals suggest heading through the children's play area in Edgar's Field, as the shrine is situated on a small slope behind it. It's a pleasant walk over the bridge.
Parking directly at the shrine is limited. It's best to park in Chester city centre and enjoy the scenic walk across the bridge to Handbridge.
Local bus services run to Handbridge from Chester. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to Edgar's Field. Check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information.
Edgar's Field is a public park and generally accessible. However, the terrain around the shrine itself might be uneven, so caution is advised for wheelchair users.
Many visitors find it easiest to locate the children's play area within Edgar's Field and then look for the shrine on the slope behind it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Minerva's Shrine is located in a public park and is freely accessible to everyone. There are no admission fees.
As the shrine is in an open public park, it is accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
Edgar's Field is a public park and there is no entrance fee to access it or the shrine within.
Yes, the shrine is accessible year-round. However, visiting during drier months will make the walk and exploration more comfortable.
There is no dedicated visitor centre at Minerva's Shrine. Information is primarily available through signage and historical context found online or in local guides.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the 2nd-century Roman shrine carved into a sandstone boulder. While the stone is worn, you can still make out the figure of Minerva. Adjacent is Edgar's Cave.
The shrine is remarkably preserved in its original location, which is unique in Western Europe. However, the stone is heavily worn due to its age and exposure to the elements.
Edgar's Cave is a fissure next to the shrine, likely a natural feature that was enlarged. It's currently inaccessible but adds to the historical intrigue of the site.
There are no facilities directly at the shrine itself. Edgar's Field is a public park, and you may find amenities like benches or bins.
Most visitors spend around 30 minutes to an hour at the shrine, allowing time to appreciate its historical significance and explore the immediate surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
Daylight hours offer the best natural light for photography. Early morning or late afternoon can provide softer light and fewer crowds.
There are no specific restrictions on photography at Minerva's Shrine, as it is in a public park. However, always be respectful of the site and other visitors.
Focus on the details of the carving, the scale of the boulder, and its integration into the natural landscape. Wide shots showing its original location are also effective.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations and park rules. It's advisable to check with Chester local authorities before flying a drone in public spaces.
As it's a less-visited site, it's generally easy to get photos without crowds, especially during weekdays or off-peak hours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families: Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven. Bring snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited. The open nature of the park means it's a good spot for a picnic. It's a low-key, free activity that adds an educational element to a visit to Chester without requiring a huge time commitment.
🚶 Budget Travelers
It's a perfect stop for those who appreciate history and unique sites without breaking the bank. Pack a picnic to enjoy in Edgar's Field, making it an even more economical outing. The experience offers a significant historical insight for zero cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Roman Significance of Minerva's Shrine
The shrine itself, though heavily worn by time and the elements, still allows visitors to discern the figure of the goddess. This direct connection to the past, seeing a piece of Roman religious practice exactly where it was left nearly two millennia ago, is a powerful experience. Unlike many Roman artifacts that have been moved to museums, Minerva's Shrine offers a unique opportunity to engage with history in situ.
Adjacent to the shrine is Edgar's Cave, a fissure that adds another layer of historical and perhaps mythical intrigue to the site. While the cave is now inaccessible, its presence suggests the area has long held a certain mystique. The shrine's survival is a testament to its robust construction and the enduring nature of the stone, offering a tangible link to the lives and beliefs of those who lived in Roman Britain.
Navigating and Experiencing Edgar's Field
The shrine is completely exposed to the elements, meaning its condition is subject to weather. While this is part of its authentic charm, it also means that some details can be obscured by erosion. Visitors are advised to look closely to appreciate the carved figure of Minerva. The area around the shrine is generally open, allowing for unobstructed views and photography, though the ground can be uneven.
Despite its historical significance, Minerva's Shrine is often described as 'overlooked' or 'a little bit of rubbish scattered around' in some reviews, suggesting that maintenance could be an issue. However, the consensus is that its unique historical value far outweighs these minor drawbacks. It's a place that rewards those who seek it out, offering a quiet moment of reflection on Roman history.
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