A full-size replica of a celebrated 16th century ship docks in London later this month, with the public invited on board to have a snoop around.
The Nao Victoria is a 26m (86ft) replica of the Victoria, the first ship to fully circumnavigate the world. The original departed from Seville in 1519 and travelled the globe, returning three years later with just 18 of its 245 crew left.
The modern replica was built in 1992, and has itself been around the globe, acting as a working museum, visiting 17 countries across five continents. Next stop: London, where you can learn about that world-first voyage.
If this all sounds familiar, it’s because the Nao Victoria is part of the Nao Foundation‘s three-ship fleet of reconstructed ships. Another, the Nao Santa María, visited the capital in May 2025, inviting Londoners to get an insight into life on board Christopher Columbus’ ship. The non-profit organisation reconstructs historic ships as floating museums, promoting their maritime heritage and contribution to navigation history.
The Nao Victoria will be in the centre basin at St Katharine Docks, 30 June-12 July 2026, and is open to the public (weather permitting). Book tickets here.
