Detective Pux here, ready to delve into the mysterious world of Peniscola Castle in Spain. Now, you may think that a castle dating back to the 13th century would have plenty of secrets hidden within its walls, and you'd be right! But fear not, dear reader, for I am here to reveal some of the most interesting and, dare I say, humorous secrets of this ancient fortress.

First and foremost, let's talk about the castle's unique shape. Its location on a rocky promontory overlooking the Mediterranean sea gave it a strategic advantage, but also made it difficult to construct. The solution? Make the castle fit the shape of the rocky outcropping, resulting in a castle that looks like a giant pineapple from afar. Yes, you read that correctly - Peniscola Castle is shaped like a pineapple. And let me tell you, it's quite a sight to behold!

But enough about the exterior. What about the hidden nooks and crannies within the castle walls? Well, one such secret can be found in the castle's subterranean passages. These underground tunnels were used for a variety of purposes over the centuries, including as a means of escape during times of siege. But did you know that they were also used to transport contraband goods? That's right, smugglers would use the tunnels to sneak goods in and out of the castle undetected. I can only imagine the look on the guards' faces when they discovered what was going on.

Another interesting tidbit about the castle is its connection to the infamous Pope Benedict XIII, also known as Papa Luna. This guy was quite the character - he was excommunicated not once, but twice, and even had his own anti-pope competition going on for a while. But what does this have to do with Peniscola Castle? Well, Benedict XIII actually lived there for several years during the 14th century, and his influence can still be felt in the castle today. You can visit the room where he allegedly held court and even see his coat of arms on display. It's like stepping back in time...to a really weird and confusing time.

Now, let's move on to the more scandalous secrets of the castle. Yes, dear reader, there are some juicy tidbits to be had here. One such scandal involves the castle's most famous resident, El Cid. You may have heard of him - he was a legendary warrior who fought for both Christian and Muslim rulers during the Reconquista. But did you know that he was also involved in a bit of a love triangle? That's right, El Cid was married to a woman named Ximena, but he was also said to have had a mistress named Jimena. And where did Jimena allegedly live? You guessed it - in Peniscola Castle. I can only imagine the drama that must have unfolded within those walls.

And finally, we come to the most mysterious secret of all: the treasure of Peniscola Castle. Yes, there are rumors that there is a vast treasure hidden somewhere within the castle walls, just waiting to be discovered. Some say it's the spoils of war, while others believe it may be the legendary lost treasure of the Knights Templar. Whatever it is, it's sure to be worth a fortune. Of course, nobody knows for sure if the treasure even exists, or if it's just a fanciful tale told by the locals. But hey, a detective can dream, can't he?

So there you have it, folks - some of the hidden secrets of Peniscola Castle, Spain. From smugglers to scandalous love affairs to lost treasure, this castle has it all. And if you ever find yourself in Spain, I highly recommend taking a trip to see it for yourself.

And if you do decide to visit Peniscola Castle, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First and foremost, wear comfortable shoes. The castle is perched on a rocky outcropping, and there are plenty of stairs and steep inclines to navigate. But trust me, the views are worth it. From the castle walls, you can see for miles across the Mediterranean sea, and the surrounding town of Peniscola is absolutely charming.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the castle can get crowded during peak tourist season. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. And if you're really feeling adventurous, you can even take a guided tour of the castle's underground tunnels. Just be sure to watch your step - those tunnels are dark and twisty!

But most importantly, don't forget to have fun. Peniscola Castle is a truly unique and fascinating place, full of history and intrigue. And if you're lucky, maybe you'll even discover some secrets of your own. Who knows, maybe you'll be the one to finally uncover that legendary treasure. Just don't forget to share the wealth with your favorite detective.