Until March 23 Exhibition about the military Order of Calatrava in Caravaca de la Cruz

Founded in the 12^th century, the Order of Calatrava contributed to the Christian Reconquista of Spain

The cloister of the former Convento de San José in Caravaca de la Cruz is holding an exhibition entitled “Calatrava: Primera orden religioso militar hispánica”, in which the exhibits include the uniforms, weapons and other pieces typical of the Order of Calatrava, the first religious Order in Spain with a military and warlike function, alongside a series of informative panels.

The Order was founded at the castle of Calatrava la Vieja in Castilla-La Mancha, which can still be seen today, in 1158 as a military branch of the Cistercians. At this time the castle was on the border of Christian and Moorish kingdoms and hence military orders such as Knights Templars were founded, but even the Templars failed to hold Calatrava and at this point Saint Raymond, the Abbot of the monastery, offered his services.

Papal approval was granted in 1187 by Pope Gregory VIII and members were obliged to obey rules of silence, abstinence, fasting and prayer as well as sleeping in their armour.

During the Christian Reconquista of southern Spain the Order fought in numerous battles, including the disaster of Alarcos, and accumulated great military strength and wealth with as many as 2,000 knights at one point in the 13^th century. But after the expulsion of the Moors from Spain in 1492 the main reason for its existence was removed, and its influence gradually waned until the Second Spanish Republic suppressed the Spanish Orders in 1931.

The exhibition in Caravaca is organized by the Order of Guardian Knights of Calatrava la Vieja and is open to the public until March 23 during the following timetable:

Tuesday to Friday 17.30 to 20.00

Saturdays 11.00 to 13.30 and 17.30 to 20.00

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