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| Entrance to the walled town - Peniscola Spain |
Peniscola on the East Coast of Spain is well worth a visit. The ancient medieval, walled town just begs to be explored. It is mainly uphill so good walking shoes are a must. The walled fortress was built by the Templar Knights in 1294 on the site of an old Arab Fortress.
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| Peniscola Old Town Spain |
The castle was declared an Historical Monument in 1931 and remains the most visited site in Peniscola. The views over the city are superb on a sunny day. The day of our visit was not so sunny despite the claim that the town enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year!
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| Peniscola Spain Around 1961 the castle was chosen for scene of the film El Cid |
starring Charlton Heston and Sofia Loren. The other, more recent, filming here was the blockbuster Game of Thrones 6th season. I am sure the locals would have enjoyed watching this action at the time.
The Peniscola Castle became "Mereen" for the Game of Throes.
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| Restaurant in Peniscola Old Town Spain |
Walking around the medieval town of Peniscola does not mean that you will go hungry or thirsty - there are many restaurants dotted all over this town of narrow streets, amazing views and such a long history.
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| White houses of Peniscola Old Town Spain The white houses of the old town have many blue shutters and we spotted an elderly couple hanging out their washing on their rooftop. Looks like an idyllic lifestyle with views over both beaches and the hills on the other side of the city. The church of Esglesia de l"Ermitana is another landmark in the Old Town - the day we visited the steps were crowded with wedding party guests so we could not visit. The "Lady of the Hermitage" is the patron saint of Peniscola and the church dates back to 1717 The full size statue of Papa Luna, Pope Benedict X111 often has people climbing all over in order to take a "selfie". Pope Benedict resided in the castle for approx. 20 years way back in the 15th Century. The bronze statue is the work of Sergio Blanco Rivas and this was inaugurated on November 2007. |
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| Peniscola, Spain from above |
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