PEÑISCOLA
 |
| City on the Sea |
Peñiscola
(City on the Sea)
 |
| Pope Luna |
I remember my very first visit to Peñiscola many years ago. I had bought a well known American, world famous, travel guide and the section on Peñiscola attracted me because it was said that the town of Peñiscola together with its spectacular castle was completely cut off from the mainland by the sea. I was looking forward to seeing this somewhat different setting, but was most disappointed when I found that there was a reasonably constructed asphalt road connecting the castle and the old town to the mainland. Even more so when being told that it had always been thus.
Anyway this failing was soon forgotten as this particular fortress, allegedly constructed by the 'Knights Templers' did present a remarkable sight. Even more so in that it was the home of the last Spanish Pope, Benedicto VIII, know as 'Pope Papa Luna'. And added to this was the dramatic figure of Spain's El Cid.
 |
| The real Señor Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar |
A little personal humour can be added here in that El Cid was forced into a duel by the father of his bride to be, Jimena Diaz. The future father in law died and his daughter, Jemena, requested the present king that El Cid be brought to justice. Being well aware of El Cid's reputation the king, naturally, refused and Jemena reputedly said, 'Well, order him to marry me and I will take care of the matter!' And the king agreed.
So now this small part of Spain which has managed to combine both history and tourism on an impressionable scale has always attracted me and although it is some hundred miles from the Maestrazgo region it has always been an ideal place to begin the journey.
 |
| The very active sea port, Peñiscola. |
 |
| An attractive street in the old town. |
Comments
Post a Comment