Peñíscola Castle (Castle of Pope Luna)
Castell de Peníscola
Built by the Knights Templar at the tip of a rocky peninsula, this castle was the seat of Pope Luna, the antipope Benedict XIII. From the top you can take in the Mediterranean all around.
The castle was built by the Knights Templar between 1294 and 1307 on the site of an Arab fortress, and is known for its rugged stone halls, Gothic chapel and cellars. From 1411 until his death, the antipope Benedict XIII, nicknamed 'Pope Luna', made it his base during the Western Schism, which gave the castle its name. Visitors can walk through the Knights' Hall, the pope's study, the chapel and the gun platforms. From the roof terrace you can view the whitewashed old town, the North Beach and the Irta mountain coast. The castle has been a filming location for the film El Cid and for season six of Game of Thrones. Admission is around 7 euros. Opening hours vary by season: it stays open into the evening in summer and closes around 5:30 pm in winter, so check the official website.
Opening hours
Summer about 09:30–21:30; winter about 10:30–17:30
Nearby sights
- Hermitage of Our Lady of the Ermitana
- Peñíscola Old Town
- Artillery Park
- Sea Museum
- El Bufador
- Port of Peñíscola
- Playa Sur
- Playa Norte