Old Royal Naval College

The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London, is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and one of the city’s most impressive riverside landmarks. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1696 and 1712, it originally served as the Royal Hospital for Seamen, providing care for retired sailors. Later, it became the Royal Naval College, a training establishment for officers of the Royal Navy until 1998. The site is famous for its stunning Painted Hall, often described as the “Sistine Chapel of the UK,” with magnificent ceiling artwork celebrating British naval power and monarchy. Today, the Old Royal Naval College is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich and welcomes visitors to explore its rich history, grand architecture, and cultural events.