If you are vacationing in this unique place, one of your must-see stops is the old town of Peñíscola. This area of the Castellón municipality exudes charm, history, and views that will make you fall in love. Of course, there’s nothing like being there to enjoy and see firsthand all that this place offers. However, we can’t resist telling you a little about the places you can’t miss. Keep reading and find out everything!

4 Unique Corners of the Old Town of Peñíscola

One of the best ways to get to know this exciting city is to start from its old town. When you do so on your next visit to Peñíscola, you will realize that traveling back in time is not so difficult. These are the buildings and monuments that you must visit.

House of Shells Peñíscola

As you will realize throughout this article, the sea is one of the elements that has shaped the history and architecture of this municipality of the Valencian Community. A very clear example is the House of Shells of Peñíscola.

This unique building will catch your attention as soon as you see it. Its facade is covered with thousands of shells, forming a spectacular contrast with the intense blue that decorates doors and windows, the latter with Arab-inspired designs. However, beyond its original appearance, what is truly interesting is the history that surrounds this construction.

We must go back to 1950, when a married couple and their children began to have a bad economic time. Necessity pushed Justa, as the woman was called, to look for new ways of survival. That’s how she came up with the idea of learning the history of the municipality in order to tell it to tourists in exchange for donations.

Although she didn’t know it, she had just become the first tourist guide in Peñíscola. Her excellent work allowed her to get her family out of poverty and even buy a plot of land where they built a three-story house. To give it the final touch, they decided to pay homage to the sea and place native shells all over the facade. Do you know how they got them? Bartering shells for tobacco with the sailors of the area.

Thus, in 1961, the house that we know and admire today was ready. However, Justa’s ingenuity does not end here, as she decided to take advantage of her iconic home to open the first souvenir shop in Peñíscola.

house shells peniscola

The Peñíscola Lighthouse

A coastal town like this could not afford not to have a splendid lighthouse. This construction stands next to the famous Papa Luna Castle and, recently, functions as a gateway for visitors to the fortress. The Peñíscola lighthouse dates back to 1899 and has been renovated several times since its inauguration.

It will not be difficult for you to find this beautiful monument. You only have to follow the streets that lead to the Peñíscola Castle or use the stairs that go from the House of Shells. Very soon you will reach a square that opens to the sea and there in the middle will be the lighthouse.

peniscola lighthouse

Sanctuary of the Virgen De La Ermitana

As a good old town, a construction like this of a religious nature could not be missing. This temple was built between 1708 and 1714 on an old chapel attached to the fortress and is dedicated to the patron saint of the city.

On its facade you can discover the shield of King Felipe V, as well as various military motifs engraved on the ashlars (war drums, cannons, etc.), something unusual for religious monuments of these characteristics.

If you have the opportunity, visit this church on September 8, since it is the day on which the festival dedicated to the Virgen de la Ermitana is celebrated. You will be able to contemplate the various dances and traditions that take place as a commemoration to the patron saint of Peñíscola.

ermita peniscola

Papa Luna Castle

Of course, we could not finish this article without dedicating a section to the jewel in the crown: the castle of Papa Luna. It is perhaps the most famous monument in the area, and for good reason!

This 13th-century Templar fortress that stands so majestically on the sea not only has the honor of having been a papal seat, but has also served as a filming set for the famous television series Game of Thrones.

peniscola castle

The old town of Peñíscola is, without a doubt, one of the key points of your visit to this magnificent city. Even if you are simply looking for sun and beach, the history and monuments of Peñíscola are impressive. If you don’t want to miss anything, make your reservation with Orange Costa and enjoy our magnificent vacation apartments in Peñíscola. The perfect accommodation for a wonderful stay in the heart of Castellón.

Find more places to see in Peñíscola on our blog.