Iglesia de Santa María de Peníscola

In the heart of Peñíscola's old town, inside the walled city and just steps from the main square, stands the parish church, known for centuries as the church of the Virgin of Succour. It is one of the oldest places of worship in the historic core, and a visit takes you through several centuries of Valencian religious art.

History and architecture

The church was built after the Christian conquest and preserves a Valencian Gothic core from the 15th century, to which a major Baroque extension was added in the 18th century. This blend of styles is precisely what makes it so interesting: the restraint of the Gothic stonework converses with the decorative richness of the Baroque. The ensemble is completed by a Communion chapel crowned with a dome, a common feature in Valencian churches of that period.

What to see

Its greatest treasure is exactly that: a collection that holds relics and a valuable rock-crystal processional cross linked to Pope Luna, Benedict XIII, who lived in the nearby castle of the town.

Tips for your visit

• Combine your visit with a stroll through the cobbled streets of the walled old town.
• Check opening hours before you go, as they can vary and religious services take priority.
• Walk up afterwards to the Pope Luna castle to better appreciate the monumental heart of Peñíscola.