Tour packages in Peñíscola Castle

A Historic-Artistic Monument since 1931, the Castle of Peñíscola is located 64 m above sea level on a rocky outcrop where the old city of Peñíscola was built and right on the remains of the old Arab citadel.

Begun at the end of the 13th century by the Templars and completed in 1307, during its more than 7 centuries of history it has undergone some small changes mainly under the mandate of Pope Benedict XIII who transformed it into a papal palace.

The period when it was a refuge for Pope D. Pedro de Luna (Papa Luna or Benedict XIII) was the most important time for the castle, a time when many rooms, towers or courtyards were built with an austere architecture typical of the time.

The castle walls are built with hewn stone, covered by barrel vaults, which have withstood the passage of years and various wars and sieges without major alterations, demonstrating their robust construction.

The castle is located in the highest part of the old town ofPeñíscola , an old town that is perfectly walled with a set of walls built in the different eras and scenarios that Peñíscola has gone through and that give the whole an image of a great fortress that impresses every visitor.

The walls have 3 military zones, the most notable being the Renaissance wall right in front of the 16th century fortification, the work of the architect JB Antonelli and therefore a sample of the peninsular architecture of the time.

The fortress can be accessed through 3 different entrances, all of them of special beauty.

The Portal Fosc was the main entrance until the 18th century and was in the Renaissance style.

The Sant Pere gate dates from the 15th century, from the time of Pope Luna, and was ordered to be built as a new access by sea to the fortress, which led to the construction of a pier that was operational until the 18th century when it was closed to prevent possible military entries.

The Santa María gate was ordered to be built by Fernando VI to improve access to the city of Peñíscola and above it you can find the Santa Ana hermitage, a must-see and in the Baroque style.

Ideal is a stroll through the artillery park, a rest among its palm trees, olive trees, flora… which was the old garden of the Papa Luna castle, a place where you can observe the entire bay of Peñíscola and breathe the sea breeze at the same time as the waves break the silence of such an idyllic place.

For all these reasons, a visit to Peñíscola Castle is a must for all visitors spending their holidays in Peñíscola , whether it's a getaway with family, friends or as a couple; the castle's surroundings and its old town are the ideal place to spend a cultural afternoon with a pleasant stroll. Whether you're planning your holidays or thinking about spending a weekend in Peñíscola, we recommend some apartments near the Papa Luna Castle .