The Old Royal Naval College, London: A UNESCO World Heritage Landmark

The Old Royal Naval College is one of the most important historical landmarks in the London Borough of Greenwich, beautifully located on the banks of the River Thames and within the University of Greenwich campus. This impressive architectural complex forms part of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its magnificent Grade I listed buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The site includes the Old Royal Naval College buildings, originally known as Greenwich Hospital, and later the Royal Naval College.

Designed primarily by Sir Christopher Wren, with contributions from Nicholas Hawksmoor, the complex was built between 1692 and 1712 to serve as Greenwich Hospital for retired sailors, a role it fulfilled until 1869. It was later used by the Royal Navy as a training college before opening to the public. Today, the Old Royal Naval College is a major tourist attraction in London, hosting exhibitions, concerts, cultural events, and guided tours throughout the year.

The site is also famous as a filming location and has appeared in numerous major film and television productions. Notable films shot here include Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994), Sense and Sensibility (1995), Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), The King’s Speech (2010), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), Les Misérables (2012), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Enola Holmes (2020), and Cruella (2021). Popular TV series filmed at the Old Royal Naval College include Bridgerton, The Crown, The Great, The Sandman, and The Diplomat.

A visit to the Old Royal Naval College is a must for anyone exploring London, as it is surrounded by some of Greenwich’s top attractions. Greenwich Park, covering approximately 74.5 hectares, offers panoramic views of the city and was redesigned in the 1660s under the influence of André Le Nôtre. Nearby, the Queen’s House -an early 17th-century architectural masterpiece- now serves as an art museum. The National Maritime Museum, one of the world’s leading museums dedicated to naval history, is also just steps away.

One of the highlights of the complex is the Painted Hall, often referred to as the “UK’s Sistine Chapel”. Covering around 3,700 square metres, it was painted by Sir James Thornhill between 1707 and 1726 and is considered one of the finest Baroque interiors in Europe. The Painted Hall also offers a virtual tour, allowing visitors to explore its spectacular ceiling paintings in high resolution from anywhere in the world.