The Order of Calatrava was one of the four Spanish military orders and the first military order founded in Castile, but the second to receive papal approval. The papal bull confirming the Order of Calatrava was given by Pope Alexander III on September 26, 1164. Most of the political and military power of the order had dissipated by the end of the 15th century, but the last dissolution of the order's property did not occur until 1838.
Castle of Calatrava la Nueva, former parent headquarters of the order
A Calatrava castle in Alcañiz
The Italian castrato singer Carlo Broschi in robes of the order. Behind, Ferdinand VI and his wife Barbara of Portugal, c. 1753.
A knight portrayed in the monastic cowl (1731)
Orders, decorations, and medals of Spain
This is a list of some of the modern orders, decorations and medals of Spain.
The Order of Calatrava (left), the Order of Santiago (centre) and the Order of Alcántara (right) in The book of orders of knighthood and decorations of honour of all nations, 1858
Scene of the Reconquista by the military orders at Monasterio de Uclés in Cuenca, Spain
Portrait of Alfonso XIII in uniform of Grand Master of the four Spanish military orders, 1928
