Peñíscola is one of the most emblematic destinations on the Costa del Azahar, not only for its beauty and history, but also for its importance in the world of cinema and television. Thanks to its medieval castle, its cobbled streets and its unique atmosphere, it has been the setting for several film and television productions over the years. In this post, we will take a look at the main films and series shot in Peñíscola and their impact on the audiovisual industry.
Peñíscola in the Cinema: A Stage for Emblematic Films
El Cid (1961): Peñíscola as Medieval Valencia
One of the most iconic shootings that took place in Peñíscola was that of El Cid (1961), starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren. In this Hollywood blockbuster, the city represented medieval Valencia, using its castle and walls as a backdrop for the battle scenes and historical encounters. To this day, Peñíscola is known as ‘the city of the Cid’, and many visitors walk its streets in search of the locations where this legendary film was shot.
Calabuch (1956): The Charm of Peñíscola in Classic Cinema
Another film that left its mark on the history of Peñíscola was Calabuch (1956), by the renowned Spanish director Luis García Berlanga. This endearing comedy portrays life in a small seaside town, highlighting the authenticity and hospitality of its inhabitants. The film captured the essence of Peñíscola and projected it onto the big screen with a charm that still endures today.
And many more…
Peñíscola in TV Series: From Game of Thrones to El Ministerio del Tiempo (From Game of Thrones to The Ministry of Time)
Game of Thrones (2016): Meereen on the Orange Blossom Coast
One of the most important moments in the recent history of Peñíscola as a filming location was its appearance in the sixth season of Game of Thrones. The city represented Meereen, the city ruled by Daenerys Targaryen. Scenery such as the Plaza de Santa María, the Portal Fosc and the Ramp of Felipe II were used in several scenes of the series, attracting a large number of fans who visit Peñíscola to relive the magic of the HBO blockbuster.
The Ministry of Time: Journey into the History of Peñíscola
La exitosa serie española El Ministerio del Tiempo también ha incluido a Peñíscola en sus rodajes. Esta producción, que combina historia y ficción, aprovechó la riqueza patrimonial de la ciudad para representar diversas épocas y escenarios en sus episodios.
El Chiringuito de Pepe: A Coastal Comedy
Another TV series that had Peñíscola as its setting was El Chiringuito de Pepe, a highly successful sitcom in Spain. Starring Santi Millán and Jesús Bonilla, the series showed the day-to-day life of a beach restaurant in Peñíscola, with amusing situations and a very authentic representation of life in a seaside town.
The Boat: Adventures on the High Seas with a View of Peñíscola
The series El Barco, starring Mario Casas and Blanca Suárez, also had scenes filmed in Peñíscola. Although much of the action takes place at sea, some sequences were filmed on the coast and in the port of Peñíscola, taking advantage of its unique landscapes and mysterious air to accompany the plot of the series.
Film Route through Peñíscola: Film Locations
If you are a film and series lover, touring Peñíscola is like stepping onto an open-air film set. Some must-see spots to visit include:
- Papa Luna’s Castle: This medieval fortress is one of the most frequently used settings for historical and fantasy productions.
- Old Town: Its narrow streets and balconies overlooking the sea have served as a backdrop for numerous productions.
- Artillery Park: A green space with stunning views that was a key part of Game of Thrones.
- Playa Norte: Known for appearing in El Chiringuito de Pepe, it is an ideal place to relive moments from the series.
- Puerto de Peñíscola: Used in some scenes of El Barco, with a spectacular view of the Mediterranean.
Peñíscola: A Film Destination in Full Splendour
Peñíscola’s cinematographic legacy continues to grow, and today it remains an attractive destination for directors and producers in search of spectacular scenery. If you are planning to visit this enclave, don’t hesitate to explore its most cinematographic corners and feel part of the history of cinema and television.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit it and live your own cinema experience!
