description Peñíscola Castle Overview
Peñíscola Castle is a medieval coastal fortress located on a rocky promontory in the town of Peñíscola, in the Valencian Community of eastern Spain. The present structure was built by the Knights Templar in the late 13th century on earlier Muslim fortifications after the Christian reconquest of the area. It is historically associated with Antipope Benedict XIII (Pedro de Luna), who used the castle as his residence and papal seat from the early 15th century until his death in 1423. The site combines Templar, later Gothic, and subsequent modifications and is now a museum and cultural venue.
insights Ranking position
Peñíscola Castle ranks #206 of 385 in the Castle ranking, behind Akershus Fortress, ahead of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle.
help Peñíscola Castle FAQ
Who built Peñíscola Castle?
The Knights Templar built the present fortress between the late 13th and early 14th centuries on the remains of an earlier Muslim citadel. Its position crowns a rocky Mediterranean headland in Spain's Castellón province.
Why is Peñíscola Castle associated with Pope Luna?
Antipope Benedict XIII, born Pedro de Luna and commonly called Pope Luna, made the castle his residence during the Western Schism. He remained there after much of Europe withdrew recognition of his papal claim.
Was Peñíscola Castle used as a filming location?
Yes. Peñíscola appeared as Meereen in HBO's Game of Thrones, and the town and fortress also featured in the 1961 film El Cid starring Charlton Heston.
Is Peñíscola Castle surrounded by the sea?
The fortress stands on a rocky peninsula that projects into the Mediterranean and was historically joined to the mainland by a narrow sandy strip. Its elevated walls provide broad views over the old town, harbor, and beaches.
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