Artillery Park, Peniscola

Despite all the negative consequences for humanity, COVID has given us a great concept of remote work. Often, this option has become the rule or a fallback. For Ukraine, in times of a full-scale Russian invasion, constant shelling of residential buildings and civilian institutions, this opportunity is significant. In a few years, we have come up with the concept of workations. This is exactly what I did in Spain in March 2025. I didn't take a single day off, spending 2 weekends for travelling back and forth. I spent one more weekend with a friend on a trip to Peniscola (and Valencia), which I am telling you about. The first part can be found here.

Let me share the second part with you today. It is dedicated to the Artillery Park (El parc d'artilleria).

When I looked down from the castle walls, the park seemed... an exaggeration. At first, I thought: I've seen big and beautiful parks in Ukraine, with old, leafy trees. I have seen exquisite parks in Italy. What can this little green strip of land surprise me with? A few palm trees were planted under a high wall along an alley overlooking the sea. 👇

But the entrance to the gardens was included in the ticket price, so why not give it a try?

TDLR

It exceeded my expectations! I recommend that you leave at least half an hour of your time for a leisurely stroll in the park and enjoy the charming views. Explore all its alleys, descents and ascents, grottoes and viewpoints. It's a lot of pleasure.

The Artillery Park is a military area. It was built for defence purposes. In the lower area has the fortifications ordered and built during the time of Philip II, the King of Spain from 1556 to 1598. He was also the King of Portugal, Naples and Sicily during a shorter period. It was the time when the Spanish Empire "never set the sun". It was the world's leading power. After the death of King Philip, the decline of the empire began.

You see the Powder Store building on the left

In my previous post, I mentioned the TV series Game of Thrones. So Peniscola is the Free City of Meereen. In the Artillery Park, Tyrion talks to Missandei and Grey Worm about what will happen (or at least what he thinks) in the city.

There are some tunnels leading to the old port outside the fortress. Another tunnel is next to the Powder Store, which also communicates directly with the outer areas.

In the upper area there is a set of fortifications from later periods.

The gardens were set in the 20th century.

You might remember these pictures from my earlier post:

I recommend walking along the outer wall, which stretches along the sea, all the way to the end. There is a staircase that takes you to the foot of the castle. From there you can enjoy a great view of the city.