EXPOSURE



CALATRAVA, FIRST HISPANIC RELIGIOUS-MILITARY ORDER

From May 4th to 30th, the Archaeological Museum of Lorca will become the epicenter of medieval history with an exhibition of Templar weapons and a workshop for children organized by the Cultural Association of the Knights Custodians of the Order of Calatrava.

“Lorca, with its rich history, is the perfect setting to carry out this cultural initiative. From the time of the Iberians to the arrival of the Arabs, this beautiful enclave in Lorca has witnessed numerous historical episodes, and this activity aims to highlight that legacy.”

“In this scenario, the association, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Region of Murcia, Lorca City Council, Lorca Municipal Archaeological Museum and Caja Murcia Foundation, They have decided to bring this exhibition to our city, and these workshops will offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the medieval era and understand the context in which these weapons were used by the knights of the Templar Order.”

The Templar weapons exhibition will offer visitors a detailed look at the equipment used by the Knights of the Order, including chainmail, gambesons, helmets, lances, swords, axes, bows and arrows, crossbows, shields, banners, tunics, footwear, and kitchen utensils, among other items. Through museum-style display modules, the history of the Order of Calatrava and the life and work of Saint Raymond of Fitero and his warrior-monks will be recounted, and aspects of daily life—clothing, customs, historical and social anecdotes of the period—will be explained, along with the main battles they fought and the weaponry they used.

In addition, several 'Monks-Knights of Calatrava la Vieja: Military Clothing and Weaponry' workshops will be offered. Designed for children aged 8 to 14, these workshops will provide young people with the opportunity to learn about medieval history in a fun and educational way. Led by experts in medieval history and reenactment, the workshops will cover topics such as the lives of the Calatrava monks, the weapons they used, and the main battles fought.

This educational activity aims to foster young people's curiosity and creativity, as well as to convey to them Spain's rich historical legacy. Furthermore, both the exhibition and the workshop offer a unique opportunity to learn about the Order of Calatrava and its role in medieval Spanish history.

The Councillor for Culture praised this initiative and encouraged all residents and visitors of Lorca to participate in these activities. “We thank the Cultural Association of the Knights Custodians of the Order of Calatrava for their work in disseminating and preserving the history of Spain and for choosing Lorca as the venue for this exhibition, where we can learn about and appreciate the rich historical heritage of Lorca, the Region of Murcia, and, of course, Spain.”