By Ashley Gibbins on Sunday, 03 May 2020
Category: Europe

Britain’s ‘Sistine Chapel’

The Old Royal Naval College, part of Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a virtual tour of the Painted Hall.

A 360-degree virtual tour of the Painted Hall, narrated by actress Tara Fitzgerald, provides visitors with the opportunity to explore 'Britain's Sistine Chapel' up close.

The Painted Hall re-opened in 2019 after an award-winning architectural and conservation project to restore this Baroque masterpiece to its former glory.

Painted in the 18th century by Sir James Thornhill, there are 40,000 square feet of walls and ceilings covered in a decorative scheme that depicts 200 figures, including kings and queens and mythological creatures.

Originally a Tudor palace, the Old Royal Naval College is a collection of classical buildings built as the Royal Hospital for Seamen between 1696 and 1751.

Designed by architects, including Sir Christopher Wren, the buildings are considered among the finest in Europe, with the chapel of St Peter and St Paul a neo-classical masterpiece.

Useful links

www.visitgreenwich.org.uk