The impressive Peñiscola Castle dominates this old town perched on a tombolo jutting out to sea, creating one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful and recognizable silhouettes.

Ever since Roman times, Peñiscola Castle has been considered a solid stronghold. It became the papal residence when Benedict XIII (Pope Luna), one of the most universally well-known figures from Hispanic history, moved the papal residence to Peñiscola in 1411, converting the old Templar castle into a palace and papal library.

Peñiscola brings together a rich artistic heritage and a well-conserved old town where every street oozes that quintessential Mediterranean charm.

Today, Peñiscola Castle is one the biggest tourist attractions of Spain's Mediterranean seaboard and a major cultural venue offering a full program of festivals events and activities all year round. To find out more about Peñiscola Castle and to see the program of events you can visit the official website of the Castillo de Peñíscola

Economy

The most important economic activities are tourism, attracted by the beauty of the city and the cleanliness of its vast beaches, agriculture and fishing.

What to see

Castle and gardens - El Bufador - Sanctuary of the Mare de Déu de la Ermitana - Virgen del Socorro parish church - Gates and Towers - Walls - Museu de la Mar (Sea museum) - Fish marketplace.

Landscape

Peñíscola is surrounded by landscapes of indescribable beauty. It is flanked to the south by the Sierra de Irta mountain range (one of the areas of greatest ecological value in the whole of the Region of Valencia), to the east by the Mediterranean, where the Columbretes Islands Marine Reserve is situated and to the north by the Ebro Delta Natural Park. To the west, we find the interior part of the Maestrazgo region, an area with an abundance of natural and monumental landmarks.