Order of Calatrava

The Order of Calatrava was a medieval Spanish religious and military order founded in the 12th century to defend Christian territories and promote religious life. Its members, called knights, combined martial duties with spiritual commitments, aiming to protect lands from Muslim invasions and promote Christian values. The order grew influential in Spain, overseeing castles, towns, and land, while maintaining strict religious discipline. Over time, it became a prominent symbol of Spain’s medieval Christian resistance and played a key role in the Reconquista, the effort to reclaim territory from Muslims.