“El Castillo de Papa Luna” or the Castle of Pope Luna in Peñiscola is a must stop along the Mediterranean coast of Spain in the Province of Castellon. Located in a little coastal town with cobbled streets, an ideal white-sand beach, lots of seafood restaurants and the most breathtaking castle views, Peñiscola is a hidden gem in Spain you wouldn’t want to miss.
The Castle of Peñiscola
About Peñiscola
Peñiscola is a small Mediterranean coastal town in the Spanish Province of Castellon that has become quite touristic in these past years. Recently, it was one of the Game of Thrones filming locations in Spain, which has brought a lot of international fans.
Nevertheless, Peñiscola is hardly as internationally famous as Barcelona or Granada. Although it could be easily visited as a day trip from Valencia, Castellon, Alicante, or Tarragona.
The tiny vibrant streets of Peñiscola are full of old charm and yet you can find tones of places with a modern twist, bright facades, and alluring local shops. In the summer months, Peñiscola is a cool place to hit a few trendy bars and grab some cocktails with friends, and enjoy nightlife and beach activities. Although fine dining with views and local seafood delicatessen, as well as sightseeing, is available all your round.
During the last few days of December, the Medieval fair of Peñiscola normally takes place. It has all the attributes of the traditional Medieval fairs in Spain: musicians, buskers, artisans, merchants, food&drinks… However, the fact that the whole celebration takes place right by one of the top castles in Spain, the Peñiscola Castle, definitely whisks you back to the Middle Ages from the first minute of your visit.
The Castle of Pope Luna
Nevertheless, the most famous local Spanish landmark in the city is the Castle of Pope Luna. Have I told you that the views from the top of it are simply breathtaking? Rising 67m above the Mediterranean, the Peñiscola castle was a residence of Benedict XIII (Papa Luna) from 1417 till 1423. Built-in 13 century on the remains of the Arabic fortress, El Castillo de Papa Luna is an important monument of our history which had survived several époques and is currently one of the top sites to visit in the region.
The story of Pope Luna
Pope Luna is one of the most famous historical figures of the Valencian Community that made it to the international political and religious scene ( after The Borgia Family, of course). From 1378 to 1417 the Roman Catholic Church split. It would be fair to say that the division was driven more by politics rather than any theological disagreements. Three men simultaneously claimed to be the true pope. Benedict XIII/ Pope Luna of Peñiscola was one of them. Council of Constance (1414–1418) tried to end the split (Great Schism) and Benedict XIII was considered an anti-Pope. However, until the last day of his life, Pope Luna refused to surrender his Papal tiara and follow the orders of the Roman church. He moved to Peñiscola and turned it into his Papal court.
Also read: The Most Colorful Villages in Spain
The whole story of Pope Luna is full of mysterious Spanish legends. His personality was quite contradictory and the stories vary significantly: some say he was a saint, others that he was a lunatic completely out of his mind. One of the most popular legends states one night he was escaping the castle after a betrayal and lost a golden ring that no one has found till nowadays.
No matter the true story behind – the Peñiscola castle is one of those few fairytale places in Spain that are straight out of a storybook. No wonder the creators of Games of Thrones have chosen it as one of the main Season 5 filming locations.
History geeks will definitely enjoy their visit to the Peñiscola Castle, which alongside its neighbors Jativa Castle and Morella Castle, simply belongs on your list of Must-See Castles in Spain. You can check the schedules and entrance prices here.
Moreover, foodies can´t miss the nearby Benicarlo with its Artichoke Gastronomic weeks and Jardin de Papagayo.
For more hidden gems in the regions of Valencia and Castellon check 10 Places in The Province of Valencia You´ve never Heard Of .
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Anna, thanks for sharing with us your wonderful traveling experiences. I love reading your blog which as always very inspirational and often times filled with fascinating captures of the most beautiful scenic places in the world. As a photographer and a frequent traveler myself, I love taking photos of historical landmarks and Peñiscola is just one of those exotic places I would love to visit one day, especially as a BIG fan of “Game of Throne”!! 🙂 The castles, the seashore and all those surrounding architectures are just simply beautiful!!
Again thank you for sharing!!
Thanks, Kevin! Always great to hear from you! 😉
Always my pleasure!!
It”s great to hear from you too Anna and you are the ONLY blogger I know who truly care about others’ opinions that tells a lot about you. Your sincerity and most important you have a good heart!!
Keep up with the good work !!
To meet positive and inspiring people from across the globe, like you, – this is why I´ve started blogging in the first place! So the fact that someone sees the “real me” behind all the pics and stories- is a huge compliment! Thanks so much for your comment!
Looks like a beautiful place to visit – love the seaside location. GOT has definitely increased tourism to several cities in Spain after the last season – we were staying in one of the cities they were filming in and it has definitely boosted the number of visitors! ~ Jessica
Thanks for stopping by, Jessica! Game of Thrones has defenitely brought lots of international fans to all their filming locations here, in Spain!
I loved exploring Spain. I haven’t been here yet. It is such a big country, I would come back and visit here for sure. Thanks for sharing #theweeklypostcard
Hi, Laura! I´ve been traveling around Spain for years and I still have so many sights left…so many places to see!
I may not be a Game of Thrones fan but as you know I love castles, so really enjoyed your post. I love when castles are high up because then you get the great views as a bonus. The town just looks so lovely as well. Thanks for sharing this on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Thanks for your comment, Anisa! I also never miss a castle, no matter the country I´m travelling to!
great photos!#theweeklypostcard
Thank you, Tanja!
I have heard about this town before but wasn’t familiar with how it looks. Have to say it is a fabulous looking place, full of charm. Plus, the mystery surrounding the city’s walls and structures make it more interesting. I wish I can do a road trip around coastal Spain.
Thanks for stopping by, Ruth! I guess, a road trip is the only way to see all these lovely rural villages in the area!
Game of Thrones has done a great job of exposing some otherwise little known locations. This castle looks amazing!
Thanks for stopping by, Jim!
I’ve never heard of Peñiscola until now – but what a discovery thanks to you! I am always on the lookout for places that are off the beaten path, where you can get the true local experience. Peñiscola sounds like it fits the bill perfectly. How cool that Game of Thrones was filmed there!
Hi, Emily! Glad you liked the place 😉
So right about climbing for the views. Looking forward to adding Pensicola to my Spanish itinerary one day.
Thanks for your comment, Elaine! Peñiscola is worth visiting 😉
This is so perfect, Anna! We are heading to Portugal and Spain next year (first time for the both of us!) and so I’m definitely bookmarking your Undiscovered Spain series <3
Hey, Flo! This is awesome. Let me know before planning if I could help you with some travel tips about Spain. I´ve traveled so much here… xoxo
Your blog is a gem! Such a neat little story that you shared and really can’t stress enough how beautiful your photos are! Always a delight to browse through your blog.
Jasmine from My Suitcase Journeys
Thank you Jaschen! Likewise,girl 😉 I´ve been absolutely loving your blog as well!
How pretty!! Can you believe my parents when on honeymoon here, many many moons ago. It’s still my moms favourite place in Spain, and I totally get why.
#FeetDoTravel
All this lovely scenery – and seafood too? Sounds like an ideal place to explore! I love white sand beaches especially. Your photos are so fun to look at!