Portal de Sant Pere
A gate in the walls beside the harbour, opened on Pope Luna's orders around 1414 to give the fortress access from the sea; his coat of arms still crowns the keystone of its great arch. It served as a landing point until the 18th century, when it was filled in for military reasons. Today it is one of the most photographed corners as you enter the old town.
Around 1414, Pope Luna ordered a gate opened in the walls beside the harbour so the fortress would have access from the sea. This is the Portal de Sant Pere, also called the Papa Luna gate, and the pope's coat of arms can still be made out on the keystone of its great arch.
From landing point to postcard
It served as a landing place until the 18th century, when it was filled in for military reasons and stopped opening onto the water. Today it is one of the three gates into the walled enclosure of Peníscola, along with the Portal Fosc and the Portal de Santa María, and one of the first corners people photograph when they reach the old town.
Getting there
It stands at harbour level, so you cross it naturally as you climb from the seafront toward the castle. It is worth looking up at the coat of arms before passing under the arch and carrying on along the Renaissance walls.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see the Portal de Sant Pere for free?
Yes, it is one of the wall's gates and you pass freely through it as you climb from the harbour area towards the castle. It is one of the most photographed spots on arriving at the old town.
Who ordered this gate opened and when?
The Papa Luna ordered it opened around 1414 to give the fortress access from the sea; the keystone of its great arch still bears the pope's coat of arms.
What was the Portal de Sant Pere used for?
It served as a landing point until the 18th century, when it was filled in for military reasons and no longer faced the water.
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