Orden de Calatrava

The Orden de Calatrava was a medieval Christian military order founded in the 12th century in Spain, originally to defend Christian territories from Moorish invasions. Named after the town of Calatrava, its members were knights sworn to religious and military duties, combining spiritual commitment with combat skills. Over time, it also became a landowning aristocratic order, influencing regional politics and economics. Today, the order exists as a historical and religious institution, symbolizing medieval Christian military and monastic ideals, with some charitable and cultural activities still associated with it.