Video - The Castle of Peñíscola: From Templar Stronghold to Papal Palace and Game of Thrones Set

A Hidden Gem on the Spanish Coast You Have to See to Believe

As a travel enthusiast, I’m always on the hunt for those incredible places that feel like a secret, even when they're hiding in plain sight. On my last trip, I stumbled upon a true gem on the Spanish coast that completely took my breath away: the Castle of Peñíscola. Perched on a massive rocky peninsula, this place is so stunning that it looks like something straight out of a movie.

The moment you arrive, you understand why it’s so special. The town is built on a narrow strip of land that connects to a huge rock, making it feel "almost like an island". As I walked up the winding cobblestone streets of the old town, the views of the Mediterranean Sea just got better and better.

The centrepiece is, of course, the castle itself. It’s an epic fortress with a story for every stone. I learned that it was built by the Knights Templar between 1294 and 1307. You can really feel their presence in the powerful, "sober and solid" architecture. Walking through the rooms with their carved stone walls and barrel vaults, it's easy to imagine the monks and soldiers who once called this place home.

But the most incredible part of the story has to be its most famous resident, a man known as "Papa Luna." During a major split in the Catholic Church, he was excommunicated but refused to give up his title as Pope. So, in 1411, he moved into this fortress and declared it the third papal seat in the world, alongside Rome and Avignon. It's mind-blowing to think that this was once the home base for a defiant Pope for over a decade.

Beyond the history, one of the biggest draws is its connection to Hollywood. It’s been a popular film location for years. As a fan of epic fantasy, I was most excited to see that Peñíscola served as the backdrop for the city of Meereen in Season 6 of

Game of Thrones. I wandered through the same streets and even stood in the Artillery Park where Peter Dinklage and other cast members filmed scenes. It was also a key location for the classic 1961 film El Cid.

Visiting the Castle of Peñíscola is more than just a trip to an old building; it's a journey through centuries of layered history, from ancient civilisations to medieval knights and defiant popes, all the way to modern-day pop culture. It's a must-add to any travel list, and I'm eager to share the video I shot to bring this incredible place to life.

Watch the full video here: