Information about Peniscola, Costa Azahar
Peníscola (Peñíscola in Castilian) is a Valencian municipality located on the Costa del Azahar along the eastern Mediterranean coast of Spain in the province of Castelló. It is presently a tourist destination for Northern Europeans in search of some sun.
History
Peníscola, often called the Gibraltar of Valencia, is a fortified seaport, with a lighthouse, built on a rocky headland about 220 feet (67 m) high, and joined to the mainland by only a narrow strip of land (Peníscola is a local evolution of Latin peninsula). Originally a Moorish stronghold, it was captured in 1233 by James I of Aragon, who entrusted it to the Knights Templar. In the fourteenth century it was garrisoned by the Knights of Montesa, and in 1420 it reverted to the Crown. From 1415 it was the home of the schismatic Avignon pope Benedict XIII (Pedro de Luna), whose name is commemorated in the Bufador de Papa Luna, a curious cavern with a landward entrance through which the sea-water escapes in clouds of spray.
The castle
The castle where Benedict lived from 1417 until his death in 1423 was restored, improved and new walls were added in 1960 when Anthony Mann's film El Cid was partially filmed there. The town and castle of Peníscola played the role of Valencia. The castle is now a popular tourist attraction.
The Film Festival
Peníscola hosts an annual comedy film festival that draws Spanish and foreign actors and filmmakers and features screenings in historic venues. That the festival celebrates comedy is a natural fit; the city was the backdrop for Luis Berlanga's comedic masterpiece "Calabuche".
History
Peníscola, often called the Gibraltar of Valencia, is a fortified seaport, with a lighthouse, built on a rocky headland about 220 feet (67 m) high, and joined to the mainland by only a narrow strip of land (Peníscola is a local evolution of Latin peninsula). Originally a Moorish stronghold, it was captured in 1233 by James I of Aragon, who entrusted it to the Knights Templar. In the fourteenth century it was garrisoned by the Knights of Montesa, and in 1420 it reverted to the Crown. From 1415 it was the home of the schismatic Avignon pope Benedict XIII (Pedro de Luna), whose name is commemorated in the Bufador de Papa Luna, a curious cavern with a landward entrance through which the sea-water escapes in clouds of spray.
The castle
The castle where Benedict lived from 1417 until his death in 1423 was restored, improved and new walls were added in 1960 when Anthony Mann's film El Cid was partially filmed there. The town and castle of Peníscola played the role of Valencia. The castle is now a popular tourist attraction.
The Film Festival
Peníscola hosts an annual comedy film festival that draws Spanish and foreign actors and filmmakers and features screenings in historic venues. That the festival celebrates comedy is a natural fit; the city was the backdrop for Luis Berlanga's comedic masterpiece "Calabuche".
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