In the past, one of the most powerful military orders of the Middle Ages was the Knights Templar. These knights belonged to the Order of the Temple and defended Christians on pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
When did the Knights Templar appear? The Templar order was founded in 1118 with the aim of defending soldiers returning from battles in the East.
What were the Knights Templar like? They had a reputation for honesty and great courage. They received donations from the nobility and used this money to improve their function and reinforce the security of pilgrims travelling to Jerusalem. It is said that they had no financial ambitions, as their only ambition was to serve God.
Their reputation as managers and their lack of financial ambition meant that many nobles trusted them to guard their wealth. They became the first bank, similar to modern banking but without all its defects; pilgrims could give them sums of money in exchange for a promissory note, which they could show at another branch to access their money on the spot and avoid travelling with great wealth. Kings also used this system to make more or less immediate transfers and to send money to the troops.
The great wealth and power they accumulated eventually marked them out as enemies of the Vatican and kings.
As a curiosity, the last Knights Templar were killed in Jerez de los Caballeros, Badajoz. They were besieged in what is known as the Bloody Tower (https://goo.gl/maps/AaveVQsaGBRp6yLh9).
Now that we know a little more about the Templars, let's explore their presence in Andalusia and follow in their footsteps as we delve into their world.
The Aracena hills, where the province of Huelva meets the boundary with Portugal, Jaen and the region of extremadura, are one of the areas of Spain with most Templar remains. Alongside Caravaca, Ponferrada, Monzon and Miravet, it constitutes the core of Templar memory in the peninsula, beside Tomar in Portugal.
The Order of the Knight Templars, that managed to get established in Andalusia between 1253 and 1258, when Islamic power began to dwindle, made Aracena one of its strongholds. Symbols and signs of this mysterious orders of Knights Templars can be found just about everywhere in these areas; the town's coat of arms includes many of them. Here the Templars rebuilt the fortress they found on arrival, some of the rooms can still be seen, as well as part of the towers and some of the wells.
The castle church is a good example of the syncretism between Islam and Christianity, incorporating Gothic elements to Sufi symbology.
Following the Knights Templar's footsteps, we can uncover many of their mysteries in Jaen:
Andalucia is a land steeped in magic and mystery, where the legacy of the Knights Templar still whispers through the ages. The Templars left behind a wealth of symbolism, believed by many to point to hidden treasures. The Lapid of Arjona is one such example, but there are countless others waiting to be discovered by the intrepid explorer.
Legends speak of secret codes and hidden messages etched into ancient stones, guiding those who dare to follow in the footsteps of the Templars. From the enigmatic castles to the sacred sanctuaries, each site holds a piece of the puzzle, waiting to be unraveled.
We encourage you to embark on this quest for the Templars' secrets. To fully immerse yourself in this journey, we recommend the use of a car, as the distances from Malaga are significant, as shown in the maps provided. As you traverse the winding roads and explore the historic sites, let your imagination soar and embrace the sense of adventure that comes with uncovering the mysteries of the past.
Who knows what hidden treasures and ancient secrets you might uncover in the heart of Andalucia? The journey awaits, and the Templars' legacy beckons you to explore its depths.
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