Replica Of Christopher Columbus’s Famous Ship Arrives In London For The First Time

A full-scale replica of the Nao Santa María, one of the three ships used by Christopher Columbus during his 1492 voyage to the Americas, has arrived in London for the first time. The ship made a spectacular entrance into the city on Tuesday, May 28, at 2:30 p.m., sailing through the iconic Tower Bridge.

The replica is now docked at St. Katharine Docks Marina, where it will be open to the public from May 29 to June 8, 2025. Visitors can step aboard and explore the ship to experience what life might have been like for the original crew over 500 years ago.

This detailed reconstruction of the original Nao Santa María was completed in 2018 by the Nao Victoria Foundation to mark the 525th Anniversary of the Encounter Between Two Worlds. Built in Punta Umbría, Spain, the ship was constructed using traditional methods and materials by skilled Spanish shipbuilders.

Video Credits: St Katharine Docks Marina/Facebook

The main structure is made from iroko and pine wood, while the hull is built from fibreglass and covered in oak wood. The masts are made of steel for added strength.

Weighing 200 tons and measuring 29 metres in length and 8 metres in width, the replica features four masts, five sails, and five working decks. It now functions as a floating museum dedicated to maritime history and Spanish heritage.

This is the ship’s first visit to England as part of its grand European tour, which includes several stops across the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and the Netherlands.

The Nao Santa María has previously sailed to ports in the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Panama City, Bay City, and even toured the Great Lakes in 2019. The ship had recently returned to Spain before setting sail once again.

The public will be able to explore the ship’s decks, rigging, navigation tools, and onboard living conditions. The lower decks feature items designed to reflect the period, including cannons, journals, lanterns, and rudders. The captain’s quarters even contain a skeleton meant to represent the original captain of the ship.

The ship currently has a crew of 14 Spanish sailors. Project manager Desireé Gonzales stated that although the current crew is relatively small, the ship originally carried about 45 to 50 people on its first voyage. Gonzales and her team set sail from Andalusia in southern Spain to reach London.

The replica proudly flies the Spanish flag to honour the role of Spain’s monarchs in funding Columbus’s journey, but a smaller Union Jack also hangs from the mast to mark its British port visit.

Video Credits: Tower Bridge/Facebook

Guided tours will be available to the public at St. Katharine Docks from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on May 29 and 30, and daily from June 2 to 6. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults, £5 for students, and £25 for families (two adults and three children).

The ship was built over 14 months with the help of nearly 100 professionals from different fields. It was officially launched in March 2018 and has since served as a cultural and historical ambassador wherever it sails.

Londoners and tourists now have a rare chance to step back into the 15th century aboard this extraordinary vessel.

References: fundacionnaovictoria, southwarknews

Source: Maritime Shipping News