12 Military Orders of Spain: Templars, Santiago & Calatrava

Twelve military orders shaped medieval Spain, from the Iberian orders of Santiago, Calatrava, Alcántara and Montesa to the international Knights Templar, Hospitallers and Teutonic Order.

The 12 military orders that shaped medieval Spain — Knights Templar, Santiago, Calatrava, Alcántara & Hospitallers. Founders, castles, grand masters & full legacy.

Knights Templar: History, Castles & Grand Masters of Spain — Founded in 1119 to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. They controlled many castles and territories in Aragón, Catalonia, Castile, and León un…
Knights Hospitaller: History, Castles & Grand Masters of Spain — Originally a hospital order caring for pilgrims in Jerusalem that evolved into a powerful military order. They established commanderies and fortresses across…
Teutonic Order: History, Castles & Grand Masters of Spain — A German crusading order founded during the Third Crusade in 1190. Although mainly active in the Baltic, they maintained limited commanderies in the Iberian…
Order of Saint Lazarus: History, Castles & Grand Masters of Spain — A crusader order known for caring for lepers and sick knights during the Crusades. They maintained houses and influence in parts of Aragón and Catalonia.
Order of the Holy Sepulchre: History, Castles & Grand Masters of Spain — A religious order devoted to protecting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Members and commanderies existed in Aragón and Navarre, supporting cru…
Order of Santiago: History, Castles & Grand Masters of Spain — Founded in 1170 in León to protect pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela. It became one of the most powerful military orders in Castile during the Rec…
Order of Calatrava: History, Castles & Grand Masters of Spain — Founded in 1158 to defend the fortress of Calatrava against Muslim forces. The order controlled vast territories in central Spain and built many major castle…
Order of Alcántara: History, Castles & Grand Masters of Spain — Founded in the 12th century to defend the frontier along the Tagus River. It became an influential military order in Extremadura during the Reconquista.
Order of Montesa: History, Castles & Grand Masters of Spain — Established in 1317 in the Kingdom of Valencia after the suppression of the Templars. It inherited many former Templar properties in Aragón and Valencia.
Order of Aviz: History, Castles & Grand Masters of Spain — Originally a Portuguese military order created to defend the Iberian frontier. It maintained close ties with Spanish Reconquista campaigns along the border r…
Order of Christ: History, Castles & Grand Masters of Spain — A Portuguese order created in 1319 as the successor to the Templars. Although centered in Portugal, it had influence across the Iberian Peninsula.
Order of Santa María of Spain: History, Castles & Grand Masters of Spain — Founded in the 13th century as a naval military order under King Alfonso X of Castile. It was intended to fight Muslim fleets and protect Christian maritime…