Old Royal Naval College

The Old Royal Naval College is a large complex of pale stone buildings along the Thames in the London borough of Greenwich. The two main wings face each other and are connected by open courtyards lined with tall colonnades, framing views of the water.

The building arose from the late 17th century onward, designed by Christopher Wren as a home for injured sailors, and remained in that function until the mid-19th century. Later it served to train naval officers before losing its military role after the end of the Cold War.

The name refers to its original use as a training center for naval officers until 1998, while today part of the buildings house the University of Greenwich and other educational institutions. Visitors experience the wide courtyards and walkways used daily by students and local residents.

Access to the courtyards and outer areas is free and available daily, though some interior rooms require a separate visit. The site is close to train stations and easy to explore on foot, with level paths along the river.

The site served as a filming location in numerous movies and provided backdrops for scenes set in Paris, Moscow or Rome. The symmetrical layout made it particularly suitable for scenes in historical palaces or public squares.

Location: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Location: London

Inception: 1696

Architects: Christopher Wren

Website: http://ornc.org

GPS coordinates: 51.48367,-0.00594

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:36