Banner Order of Calatrava W1528 Marto

The Order of Calatrava is a religious-military Order founded in Castile in the 12th century by the Abbot Don Raimundo de Fitero, with the initial objective of protecting the town of Calatrava (near the current Ciudad Real). Upon the death of the Abbot, the new Grand Master, Don García, adopted the Cistercian norm and the Pope recognised the Order the same year.
In 1212, the Order of Calatrava was one of the most powerful in Castile. From 1254, the Monarch influenced the election of the Grand Masters and, from 1476, he himself took direct control of the Order.
The Cross of Calatrava, emblem of the Order, is a gules Greek Cross with a fleur-de-lis at the tips.

• • 103 x 68 cm
• • Black Banner.
• • Adorned with a Red Calatrava Cross.