Castillo de Peñíscola

Castellón Province


The rambling 14th-century castle was built by the Knights Templar on Arab foundations and later became home to Pedro de Luna (‘Papa Luna’, the deposed Pope Benedict XIII). There are various exhibits relating to the history of the castle and town, as well as a former cannon outpost converted into a garden with special views.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Castellón Province attractions

1. Sierra de Irta

5.64 MILES

To escape the summer crowds, seek solitude in the Sierra de Irta. Running south from Peñíscola, it’s both nature park and protected marine reserve, best…

2. Ermita de la Mare de Déu dels Àngels

12.81 MILES

Follow signs from the Plaza Mayor to this loveable chapel perched on a rocky hillside, a 2.5km drive, or somewhat shorter walk, away. It was a monastery…

3. Museo Paleontológico

14.08 MILES

This impressive private fossil collection in a house just beyond the town walls has some excellent pieces.

4. Iglesia Arciprestal

14.08 MILES

Just off the plaza, this Gothic village church has a Romanesque portal and a fine interior. The frescoed neo-classical side chapel has a macabre reliquary…

5. Museo les Presons

14.16 MILES

Underneath what was once the town hall, these two thick-walled medieval dungeons are atmospheric and backed up by an exhibition of farm tools and other…

6. Museo de Valltorta

18.17 MILES

An informative museum, 2km from Tirig, itself 10km southwest of Sant Mateu. It presents a detailed overview of prehistoric art and El Maestrazgo’s World…

7. MónNatura Delta

26.33 MILES

In the former saltworks overlooking Tancada lagoon, this 41-hectare site provides an excellent overview of the delta's importance – delving into avian…

8. Desierto de les Palmes

28.24 MILES

The twisting, climbing CV147 leads, after about 6km, to this occasionally misty inland range – cooler than the coast – with a Carmelite monastery and…