Tour packages in Peñíscola Castle

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

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 minor changes, mainly under the mandate of Pope Benedict XIII, who transformed it into a papal palace.

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

The castle walls are built from carved stone, covering the various rooms with barrel vaults. They have seen the passage of time 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 periods and settings through which Peñíscola has passed and which give the whole an image of great strength that impresses every visitor.

The walls have 3 military zones, of which the Renaissance wall stands out just in front of the 16th century fortification designed by the architect JB Antonelli and therefore an example of the peninsular architecture of the time.

The fortress can be accessed through 3 different entrances, all of them especially beautiful.

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

The Sant Pere gate dates back to the 15th century, during the time of Pope Luna, and was ordered to be built as a new sea access 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 Ferdinand VI to improve access to the city of Peñíscola and above it you can find the must-see baroque-style Santa Ana chapel.

An ideal place to take a walk through the Artillery Park, a break among its palm trees, olive trees, flora... and what was the old garden of the castle of Pope Luna, is a place where you can see the entire bay of Peñíscola and breathe in the sea breeze while 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 who spend their holidays in Peñíscola , whether it is a getaway with family, friends or as a couple, the surroundings of the castle and its old town are the ideal place to spend a cultural afternoon with a pleasant walk. Whether you are planning your holiday or are thinking of spending a weekend in Peñíscola, we recommend some apartments near the Castillo del Papa Luna .