Templario-Pontificio Castle
The Templario-Pontificio Castle is one of the three fortifications that have the
honour of having been one of the Papal Seats. It has been declared a National Monument
of Historic and Artistic interest, it is the second most visited monument in Spain
after the Alhambra in Granada and is both tourist attraction and a cultural centre.
Contact
Address: Castillo de Peñíscola, Calle castillo 12.598 Peñíscola.
Castellón. Telephono: ( 34) 964 48 00 21
Telf Tourist Info Peníscola : 964 48 02 08
The Walls
The walls were constructed between 1576 and 1578 by the architect Juan Bautista
Antonelli. The Fosc Gate or Felipe II Gate is one of the three entrances to the
old quarter. Also known as the the Papa Luna Gate, the San Pere Gate is very grandiose,
and in the centre it bears the coat of arms of Pedro de Luna who used the gate as
an access to the fortress by sea.
Santa Maria Parish Church
In the middle of the old quarter is the Parish temple of the Virgin of Santa Maria,
built in the Gothic and Romanesque styles it still conserves valuable objects from
those times, a processional Cross from Benedicto VIII, a grail from Papa Luna and
a relic from Clemente VII.
Mare de Déu d’Ermitana Hermitage
Located next to the castle this hermitage houses the image of the city’s patron
inside. It was built between 1708 and 1714.
The Bufador
This is the natural tunnel in the rock that runs under the city. The sea water enters
and leaves here and provides spectacular water displays in times of bad weather.
The Sea Museum
Situated over the Principe Bastion, the Sea Museum is set out in three different
sections: History, Fishing and Marine Life. Here you can see bronze diving helmets,
model ships, amphoras, anchors, maps, audio visual media and three aquariums.
La Sierra de Irta mountain range
This Natural Park is a mountain range with a maximum height of 573 m and a 15 km
coastal facade. A visit to the San Antonio Hermitage is a must. It dates back to
the 16th century and offers a marvellous panoramic view.
The fishing port
Peniscola is a traditional fishing and agricultural town. A good time to visit the
port is in the late afternoon when the fishermen are unloading their catch.
The Columbretes Islands
Made up of four groups of small islets and reefs of volcanic origin, they are called:
la Grossa, la Ferrera, la Foradada and el Carallot. Their base is submerged approximately
80 m deep and covers 3 nautical miles. This is one of the most ecologically interesting
small archipelagos in the Mediterranean area. Excursions to the islands can be made
from Peniscola