Palacio Castillo de Peñíscola, also called Castillo del Papa Luna is located in the highest part of the city, on a dominating mountain of rock of the municipality of Peñíscola.

Peñíscola Castle

Peniscola Castle

Peniscola Castle

On the remains of an old Arab fortress, the Templar’s built this Romanesque work between 1294 and 1307.

But its most important historical attribute is the fact that it shares with the Vatican and the Papal Palace in Avignon the privilege of having been a papal seat, one of the three that has existed throughout history.

Pope Luna, Benedict XIII of Avignon, one of the most universally known Hispanic figures yet controversial, moved in 1411 to Peñíscola, converting the castle to a pontifical palace and library.

Peniscola Castle

Peniscola Castle

The castle still preserves memories of the presence of Pope Luna and his successor Clement VIII: the papal Basilica of Benedict XIII, the throne room where he used to receive embassies and receptions, the conclave salon, the studio with windows to the sea and other pontifical rooms.

Today, the castle is a tourist attraction with over 330,000 visitors annually and a prestigious cultural center that hosts numerous art exhibitions, festivals, congresses and conferences throughout the year.

Depending on your holiday location and plans, you might need to rent a car for your stay to reach every site and destination you’d like to see and visit. If you’re looking for a car hire in Valencia, our car rental portal can help.

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