Old Royal Naval College

The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London, is known for its stunning Painted Hall, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the UK.” The hall’s ceiling and wall decorations were created by Sir James Thornhill between 1707 and 1726 and cover a vast 40,000 square feet. The elaborate paintings celebrate British naval power and the achievements of monarchs, particularly those of William III and Mary II. One interesting aspect is that Thornhill included a small self-portrait in the lower right corner of the West Wall, subtly inserting himself into his grand masterpiece.