Peniscola

The historic part of Peniscola is located on a rock which in ancient times was connected to the coast only by a thin sea bank.

This position was very convenient to protect the town against its potential invaders, but it sometimes could be problematic for its inhabitants: when the sea used to cover the bank, they found themselves totally isolated from the coast.

This problem disappeared as the harbour and a few more buildings were built between the peninsula and the coast.

Built on the highest point of the rock, the castle offers spectacular views on Peniscola’s beaches.

Swimmers will appreciate them for the fine sand, while divers can explore Torre Badum, a dive site where fresh water bursts from the underwater soil.

The historical part of Peniscola also has medieval fortifications, which were reinforced in 1578 by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Antonelli on King Philip II’s request. Built that same year, the Dark Gate (Portal Fosc) is one of the three ways of access to the historic town.

 

Other sites of interest:

 

The temple of Saint Mary of Peniscola: an architectural mixture of gothic and Roman styles, the temple was home to Bishop Alonso de Borja or Borgia’s coronation. He became Pope Calixt III in 1455.

 

The hermitage of Saint Anne: built next to the castle in the 18th century by Governor Sancho de Echevarria, it is home to the patron saint of Peniscola.

 

The Artillery Store: today a botanic garden, the store used to shelter cannons and other defensive weapons.

 

The Museum of the Sea: it presents exhibitions on fishing and sailing through the ages in the area.

 

The Bufador: it is a wide gap between the rocks where you can see the sea from a street in the historical town.

 

The Irta Mountains: this natural reserve is th e last unbuilt zone along the whole mediterranean coast of Spain. It is 15km long and covers an area of 12’000 hectares.

 

You will find more information on Peniscola’s website: http://en.peniscola.es