Full Scale Replica of Magellan’s Ship has Docked at St Katharine Docks – Nao Victoria
Nao Victoria is a full scale replica of Magellan’s ship that circumnavigated the globe, and you can board and walk around.
@urbanadventurerldn [BLOG POST IN BIO] 🌊⚓️ 𝙉𝙖𝙤 𝙑𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙖 is a full scale replica of Magellan’s ship that circumnavigated the globe, and you can now board and walk around Nao Victoria Foundation built the replica of the Victoria in 1991 and in 2004 it embarked on the same ambitions journey as Magellan in 1519: to circumnavigated the globe 🌏 The ship sailed 26,894 miles and visited 17 countries before returning to Seville, Spain in 2006. Thus, Nao Victoria became the first replica ship to circumnavigate the globe. 📍 Where St Katharine Docks’ central basin (Nearest station is Towel Hill) 🗓️ When 30th June – 12th July 2026 The ship is open between 10am – 8pm daily. 🎟️ Tickets Tickets are available online or on the spot Adult ticket: £10 Child ticket: £8
Nao Victoria – A Floating Museum
Photo: Urban Adventurer
In 1519 Ferdinand Magellan and five ships, including the Victoria, left Seville to reach the Spice Islands and open a new trade route for Spain. This was the first recorded trip around the globe opening a new chapter in the rise of global trade.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
During the voyage, four of the five ships was lost or returned to Spain early. Only Victora completed its journey. Victoria left Seville in 1519 with 243 crew members and returned to Spain in 1522 with only 18.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Magellan never returned from this voyage as he was killed by local warriors at the Philippines on the 27th April 1521. He got a poisoned arrow to his leg before the warriors surrounded him and stabbed him to death.
Left without a captain, Victora was commanded back to Spain by Juan Sebastian Elcano.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Nao Victoria Foundation built the replica of the Victoria in 1991. The long process was carried out by ship designer and builder, Ignacio Fernández Vial who used original documentary sources, chronicles, iconography and nautical treaties from the 16th century to rebuild the ship as accurately as possible.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The ship was named Nao Victoria (the word ‘nao’ is an old-fashioned Spanish word for large sailing ship or vessel) and embarked on the same journey in 2004 as Magellan’s Victoria in 1519.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Starting from Seville, Nao Victoria circumnavigated the globe, sailed 26, 894 miles and visited 17 countries before returning to the same city in 2006. Thus, Nao Victoria became the first replica ship to circumnavigate the globe.
Since 2007, Nao Victoria has been carrying out its own project as a floating museum, training ship and Ambassador of the First World Tour, symbol of the Spanish maritime history.
Practical Info
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Address
St Katharine Docks’ central basin
(Nearest station is Towel Hill)
Opening Times
30th June – 12th July 2026
The ship is open between 10am – 8pm daily.
Tickets
Tickets are available online or on the spot
Adult ticket: £10
Child ticket: £8
Ready for your next adventure? If you’re interested in history, you’ll love this hidden museum. Museum of the Order of St John tells the story of an ancient order established by knights and still operating today under the same logo. Make sure you not just visit the free museum but also book one of their walking tours because you’ll get access to a crypt, the beautiful St John Priory Church, the Council Chamber and more.