Peñíscola and the Classical Theatre Festival
The courtyard of the Castillo de Peñíscola is the perfect place to watch classical theatre in July.
The Castillo de Peñíscola, also known as Castillo de Papa Luna, is a fortress located in the highest area of the rock upon which the old town of Peñíscola is situated. It was built in 1294, and today, it serves as the site for one of the most important national theatre festivals: the Festival de Teatro de Peñíscola.In 1997, the imposing walls of the Castillo de Peñíscola, which have been declared a National Artistic Historic Monument, began to host this theatrical meeting that takes place every July. The castle in “the city of the sea” is one of the most special settings in the whole country, both for the place where it is located and the atmosphere that is created by the setting of the sun and moon, an event that no one should miss.
Different theatrical troupes from all over the country prepare all year to represent different plays between the walls that were built by Knights Templar. Many locals and tourists also gather to see the artistic spectacles in this idyllic place, but only 350 can get in with a pass. Carles Benlliure, the director of the festival since 2002, assures that, although the limited seating space is a setback, it also lends a more intimate connection between the actors and the spectators. With a larger audience, “that magic would be lost.”