Londoners are set to see a rare sight in London next week as the replica of a historic 15th century ship that was part of the Spanish Galleons will pass through Tower Bridge.

Two rare sights will be taking place on London’s River Thames next week, as Tower Bridge will open to welcome the Galeón Andalucía into the city.

The ship, currently docked at Gravesend Town Pier until Sunday, will continue its UK tour travelling up the River Thames, before arriving in London to dock at St Katharine Docks.

When you can see it

Tower Bridge will lift twice for Tallship Galeón Andalucía on Monday (September 23), at 5:30pm going up river and again at 6pm going down river.

Tower Bridge will lift twice for Tallship Galeón Andalucía on Monday (September 23).Tower Bridge will lift twice for Tallship Galeón Andalucía on Monday (September 23). (Image: Fundación Nao Victoria)

What you need to know

The ship is a replica of the famous 16th century ship that was part of the Spanish Galleons used by the Spanish to explore America and parts of Asia up until the 18th century.

The ship, first constructed in 2009, was the work of “original and innovative” technology used to create a replica of the ship that first set sail in 1492.

The ship famously connected Andalusia with America and Asia, transporting merchants, seamen and traders across three continents.

The ship measures 55 metres and weighs in at a whopping 500 tons.The ship famously connected Andalusia with America and Asia. (Image: Fundación Nao Victoria)

Measuring 55 metres and weighing in at a whopping 500 tons, this ship has been created by a team of 126 carpenters and is a wooden structure featuring over 3,288 metres of rope for the rigging and 10 cast iron cannons.

Since the ship first launched, the vessel has been manned by a crew of 15 to 35 strong, sailing across the globe navigating the Red Sea, the Pacific and Indian Oceans to name a few.

Where you can see it

The ship will then be docked at St Katharine Docks from September 24 until October 6, with visitors able to go aboard the ship to explore its impressive structure.

The ship will be docked at St Katherine’s Dock from September 24 until October 6.The ship will be docked at St Katharine Docks from September 24 until October 6. (Image: Fundación Nao Victoria) The experience, run by Vela Cuadra, will give visitors the one-off chance to explore this historic vessel in a self-guided tour, where you can walk around its decks and explore its many exhibits, featuring historic documents as well as videos and photos, and talk to the crew responsible for sailing the ship.

The ship will be open from 10am to 8pm.

Tickets are priced at £12 for adults, £6 for children and £30 for a family of five.