Venice and the Knights Templars.
Venice and the Knights Templars. The organisation’s activities extended beyond military and economic realms; their influence permeating local culture and architecture. For example, buildings from the Templar era, often reflected their unique blend of Christian and martial themes, which shaped Venetian religious architecture, and which can still be appreciated today.
They were thought to have arrived in the lagoon around the mid-12th century and legend had it that they brought with them a treasure, which they buried on the island of San Giorgio in Alga. However, it is probable that the treasure was not “material” but one of “spiritual” wealth; which derived from the Templars and their monastic scriptural teachers, by virtue of their closeness to esoteric Christian mysteries.
After their dissolution in the early 14th century, they remained involved in various clandestine activities in the city. This continued presence reflects the Order’s enduring influence and the network of members, who sought to maintain the Templar legacy in secrecy.
Moreover, legends associated with Templars, such as their ties to the “Holy Grail”, further solidified their mystique and impact on Venetian culture.
The post also gives a brief summary of the differences between the Knights Templar, the Knights Hospitaller, and Knights of Malta.
Who were the Knights Templars?
Evidence of the influence on Venice’s architectural evolution
Knights Templars and Modern Popular Culture
The “Holy Grail”
Are their links between Freemasons and the Templars?
Brief summary of the differences between the Knights Templar, the Knights Hospitaller, and Knights of Malta.
Links (internal-external)
L. Jacques de Mornay – The last Grand Master befor dissolution R. A Seal of the Templars “The crusades; the story of the Latin kingdom of Jerusalem“, Thomas Andrew Archer, Charles Lethbridge Kingsford.
Venice and the Knights Templars – Who were the Knights Templars?
The Knights Templar, officially known as the “Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon”, was a medieval Catholic military order founded around 1119, renowned for protecting pilgrims and participating in the Crusades. The Templars had the task of defending the pilgrims who travelled along the Holy Lands, between Jaffa and Jerusalem; from attacks by assassins and criminals.
Origins and Purpose. The Knights Templar was established in the aftermath of the First Crusade (1096-1099), which resulted in the capture of Jerusalem. Recognizing the dangers faced by Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land, a group of French knights led by Hugues de Payens and Geoffroy de Saint-Omer and seven others; sought to form a religious order dedicated to their protection. They gained support from King Baldwin II of Jerusalem, who allowed them to establish headquarters on the Temple Mount, believed to be the site of the original Temple of Solomon, thereby giving the order its name.
Roles and Activities. The Templars combined monastic and military lives, with strict vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They were distinctive in their white cloaks adorned with a red cross, symbolizing their commitment to Christianity.
Their primary roles included:
- Military Engagement. Templars participated in numerous Crusades, often serving as elite knights known for their military prowess. They played critical roles in significant battles such as the Battle of Hattin and were involved in defending the Christian states in the Levant, building fortifications and castles. During the “War of Saint Sabas” (1256-1270), the Templars sided with Venice against their commercial rival, Genoa. This alliance underscored the Templars’ strategic partnerships within the Italian states, fostering military and economic cooperation. However, their relationship with Venice also involved complexities, particularly as their power grew; leading to tensions with other groups like the Knights Hospitaller who were aligned with the Genoese.
- Banking and Finance. As they grew in power, the Templars established one of the first banking systems, allowing pilgrims to deposit valuables in Europe and withdraw equivalent amounts in the Holy Land. Their banking practices laid the groundwork for modern banking techniques. (Comment – ? the birth of the Fiat monetary system.)
Growth and Influence. Endorsed by the Catholic Church, the Templars rapidly expanded throughout Europe and eventually amassed significant wealth. There were said to be around 10,000 members, comprising about 10% elite knights known for their military prowess and the rest in various monastic and administrative capacities. They received various privileges, including exemptions from taxes and the ability to operate independently of local authorities. At their height, they owned vast estates and became powerful economic entities, managing properties and engaging in trade across Europe; making them one of the most influential military orders of the Middle Ages.
Decline and Dissolution. The decline of the Knights Templar began with the fall of Acre in 1291, the last major Crusader stronghold in the Holy Land. Losing their purpose, they faced increasing scrutiny and suspicion from European rulers. On October 13, 1307, King Philip IV of France, deeply indebted to the order, orchestrated a mass arrest of Templars, and also formed an alliance with Venetian and Genoese merchants against the Order, accusing them of heresy, sodomy and sorcery! Under pressure, Pope Clement V formally dissolved the order in 1312, leading to the execution of its last Grand Master, Jacques de Molay, in 1314.
After their dissolution, most of the Templars in Europe sought refuge in Portugal and were welcomed there; as long as they changed their name. They became the “Knights of the order of Christ” and another chapter in their history began.
Legacy. The Knights Templar’s legacy is shrouded in myth and intrigue, with various stories linking them to legendary artifacts like the “Holy Grail” and the “Ark of the Covenant”. Their dramatic downfall has inspired countless legends and theories about their hidden treasures. and continued existence in some form.
The Templars’ blend of military prowess, religious commitment, and financial innovation, has left a lasting impact on history and popular culture; with references appearing in literature, films, and even modern secret societies like the Freemasons.
In summary, the Knights Templar were a significant medieval Catholic military order, marked by their unique combination of monastic life and military engagement, and their story continues to captivate imaginations centuries after their decline.
Venice and the Knights Templars – Evidence of the influence on Venice’s architectural evolution
Venice was a crucial maritime power during the Middle Ages, providing essential sea routes for Templars and pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. The Templars utilized Venetian ships for their journeys, which solidified a cooperative relationship between the two entities.
The Knights Templar’s presence and influence in Venice played a crucial role in the city’s architectural evolution, leading to unique structures that merged Templar symbolism with Venetian style. Their contributions are a testament to the lasting impact these medieval knights had on the architectural and cultural landscape of Venice, which can still be appreciated today.
In medieval times the Venetian Lagoon was a land frequented by a large number of travellers, some remained, others were only passing through; but many of the legends that were left behind they still continue to resonate along the streets of the city and are sometimes engraved in the fabric of the buildings.
Temple of San Giorgio
Online sources report the existence of the one of the primary Templar buildings in Venice – the “Temple of San Giorgio”; renowned for its unique Venetian-Byzantine architectural style. It served as a testament to the wealth and influence of the Templars in the city. The temple not only functioned as a spiritual centre, but also played a part in the Templar’s extensive network supporting their missions and activities.
There are several churches in Venice named after St George. The issue here, is that there appears to be no convincing evidence today, of which church (or any earlier incarnation) was actually being referred to, or its location.
Some suggest that the iconic church of San Giorgio Maggiore, on the island of the same name, is the site of the original “temple”. Today, it is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, by Andrea Palladio built between 1566 and 1610. Although its well documented history centres on its Benedictine roots and Palladio’s visionary design, some historical interpretations and legends suggest that, in medieval times, a property on this island (or nearby) was in the hands of the Templars. Their reverence for St. George, a patron celebrated for his martial prowess and chivalric symbolism helped cement the association; even if later reconstructions and changes in ownership suggested any direct Templar administrative link.
San Giorgio dei Greci This church, located in the district of south Castello, serving Venice’s Greek Orthodox community; also bears the name of St. George. While its origins are squarely within the context of the Greek diaspora, the broader medieval milieu, where knightly orders like the Templars took great pride in the figure of St. George; has led some to suggest that its dedication resonates with the same martial and chivalric ideals, attributed to the order. Though a direct link to Templar use, is more part of layered legend than any documented fact.
Church of Santa Maria in Broglio
The church once stood on what is the site of the current 5* Hotel Luna, near to the Vallaresso vaporetto stop and just to the west of the Procuratie Nove (see photos of old drawing and map below). Originally a Templar church, Santa Maria in Broglio was significant for its role as a place of worship and hospitality for pilgrims. This church is especially noted for its historical connections to the Templar Order, which included possessing sacred relics and providing services to travellers.
Destroyed between 1810 and 1823, the Church of Santa Maria in Broglio, was a Venetian religious building known as the “Ascension Church“. The name “broglio“, derives from “brolo” that is garden or orchard; the building was actually a monastery convent built at the expense of the Republic and granted to the Order of the Templars around the early 1100s.
Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons – R. By Ludovico Ughi – Library of Congress, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=88928573.
In 1312, the last Templar was expelled from Venice and the building passed into the hands of the Knights of Malta. It was said that in the Templar era, there were a large number of relics including a fragment of the Holy Cross, a gift from Doge Giovanni Dandolo of 1280.
It was later sold it to the procurators of San Marco, who rented it out to a certain Fra Malasa, on the understanding that he didn’t use it to house the poor, but keep it available for visiting ambassadors.
In the late 15th century, the monastery was rented to the Osteria della Luna. Restoration work on the church was begun in 1516 by the confraternity of the Holy Spirit (aka the confraternity of the Ascension) but was not completed until 1597. The church was later renamed after the Feast of the Ascension and closed in 1810. It was used as a warehouse until it was demolished in 1824, and integrated into the Hotel Luna complex.
Lost art. Among the works of art that adorned the interior were the “Ascension” by Pietro Mera, the “Pool of Bethesda” by Andrea Celesti, the “Dispute of Jesus with the Doctors” by Alberto Calvetti, the “Nativity of Mary” by Antonio Bellucci, and the “Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem” by Gregorio Lazzarini. The ceiling with the Ascension of Christ, created by Sebastiano Ricci was particularly admired. It’s sad that only descriptions and memories of a splendid past remain of this church.
Ca’ Vendramin Calergi”
Ca’ Loredan Vendramin Calergi, in Renaissance style, is a 16th-century palace on the Grand Canal in the district of Cannaregio; situated just to the east of the San Marcuola waterbus stop. It was commissioned by the patrician Loredan dynasty, namely Andrea Loredan, and paid for by Doge Leonardo Loredan, with construction starting in 1481 and completed in 1509. It was designed by the famous architect, Mauro Codussi. The architecturally distinguished building was the home of many prominent people through history and was the place where composer Richard Wagner spent his final days and died there. Today it houses the Venice Casino (Casinò di Venezia) and the Wagner Museum (Museo Wagner).
This famous Venetian palace, is believed to have been one of the locations Andrea Loredan maintained the traditions and heritage of the Templars, and meetings took place after the order’s dissolution. It features engravings related to Templar lore – “Non Nobis Domine, Non Nobis”, seen on the ground floor under the two lateral outer windows (See section on “Sotoportego de La Madonna”, below). The phrase subsequently became the Loredan family motto.
Calle del Perdon and Sotoportego de la Madona: stronghold of the Templars
Just s short distance from the Campo Sant’Aponal, at the entrance to the Sotoportego de la Madona (at the corner of Calle Madonna and Calle Perdon); can be seen a text engraved on a large wooden panel, below the name plate of the Sotoportego. In the middle is a small carved image of a religious figure – Pope Alexander III. According to a traditional tale in 1177, Pope Alexander III was in Venice to sign a peace agreement with Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. On the first night of his secret arrival, he slept on the bare earth in the Sotoportego de la Madona, to escape possible persecution by the Emperor. The Pope chose to sleep here, because it was a safe area, said to be guarded by the Templars. His official residence was in the Palazzo San Silvestro, not far away, near to the waterbus stop of the same name.
Above the entrance to the sotoportego. you can see a large wooden sign with a small carved image placed in 1830, on which a phrase reminiscent of the event is carved: “ALEXANDER III THE SUPREME PONTIFF ESCAPING THE ARMS OF FEDERICO EMPEROR COMING TO VENICE HERE PUT THE FIRST NIGHT AND THEN GRANTED PERPETUAL INDULGENCE IN THIS LOCATION BY SAYING A PATER NOSTER AND AN AVE MARIA TIBI NOT SIT SERIOUS DIVCERE MATER HAS THE YEAR MCLXXXVII WITH THE CHARITY OF THE DEVOTED SILUMINA DAY AND NIGHT DURING THE YEAR MDCCCXXX “. (Basically, you can have perpetual indulgence, if you say a few a few “Our Father or Hail Mary’s).
Just inside the entrance on the left, is a chapel-like wooden structure, protected by a wrought iron and glass gate. Inside this “sleeping pope’s” tiny chapel, behind a bouquet of flowers, can be seen a small depiction of a Knights Templar. There are some further inscriptions higher up on the wall – “Non Nobiis Domine, Non Nobis, Sed Nomini Tuo Da Gloriam“. This translates to “Not for us Lord, not for us, but the Glory of Your Name”. It is the opening part of the famous Templars phrase summarized as, and taken from the Old Testament (Psalms 114:1): “Glory to the one God; Christian humility; protection of the weak the old and the young; physical death is but a departure on a journey; while it is deliberate sin that is true death” On the stone entrance pillar, you can see the figure of a cross. However, it is thought to be a Venetian Cross, rather than a Templar Cross. It is probable that these inscriptions were made after the Templars, by some Neo-Templar revivalist group.
Apparently, the building adjacent to the left of the Sotoportego, originally used to be a “Casa della Madonna”, owned by the Templars (and probably where the pope really slept). However, the house seen today, was built in 1830 and bears no evidence of the Knights Templars.
Broader Influences on Venetian Culture
Architectural Styles. The Templars brought back architectural knowledge from the East, influencing the development of Venetian Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The ornate designs visible in many Venetian buildings, owe part of their inspiration to the Templar’s connections and cultural exchanges during the Crusades.
Symbolism and Design. Templar architecture often included symbolic elements representing their religious beliefs. Many buildings in Venice, including the Templars’ structures, incorporated intricate designs and motifs that resonated with Templar traditions, blending them into Venice’s rich architectural tapestry.
Knights Templar and Modern Popular Culture
The Knights Templar have long been linked with numerous legends. Orders like the Freemasons claimed to inherit esoteric knowledge from the Templars or to be their direct descendants. In the 18th century, Masonic writers added their own theories, which were further popularized in novels such as “Ivanhoe”, “Foucault’s Pendulum”, and “The Da Vinci Code”; movies like “National Treasure”, “The Last Templar”, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”; the TV series “Knightfall”; and video games like “Broken Sword”, “Deus Ex”, “Assassin’s Creed”, and “Dante’s Inferno”.
Legends say that when Louis XVI was executed, a Freemason declared vengeance for Jacques de Molay; suggesting retribution against France’s former king who destroyed the Templars. Some theories even propose that the Templars are still active, maintaining a secret conspiracy to preserve Jesus’ bloodline.
The “Holy Grail”.
Speculations also surround the Templars’ early occupation of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and the relics they might have discovered there. The association of the Holy Grail, a well-known and enigmatic religious relic with the Templars, dates back to 12th-century fiction, such as Wolfram von Eschenbach’s “Parzival”; where knights guarding the Grail Kingdom are called “templeisen”, fictionalized from the term “templarii.”
The name refers to the cup, in which Joseph of Arimathea is believed to have collected the blood of Jesus Christ on the Cross. According to some accounts, the Holy Grail arrived in Venice after the sacking of Constantinople in 1198, when many sacred treasures were brought to the city. It is said that the sacred cup was hidden in the throne of San Pietro, which is currently located in the Basilica of San Pietro in Castello, one of the oldest churches in Venice, built in the seventh century near a Byzantine fortification from which the district gets its name.
There is also the Church of San Barnaba in the Dorsoduro district, where Nicodemo de Besant Mesurier, one of the custodians of the Grail, is purportedly buried. The church was founded in 936 by the Adorni family and consecrated in 1230 by the Order of Preachers, whose patron was Mary Magdalene, a figure often associated with the legend of the Holy Grail and Templar tales. Interestingly, the church gained fame for its appearance in the 1989 film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”; where its façade was used to depict a fictional library that concealed a secret passage leading to catacombs in the search for the Holy Grail.
Are Freemasons and Templars linked?
A quick search using AI, came up with following summaries. Bare in mind that AI is only as good as the sources it came up with and any inbuilt bias in the system, drawing the results.
Freemasons viewpoint. Though it has been said that its affiliation with Masonry is based on texts that indicate persecuted Templars found refuge within the safety of Freemasonry, the order itself states that: “there is no proof of direct connection between the ancient order and the modern order known today as the Knights Templar.”
Freemasonry does maintain a hierarchical structure designed to foster personal development and mutual respect and fraternity among its members. They strongly deny any claims of evidence for the existence of any clandestine power hierarchy, above the general membership.
In more detail:
• Freemasonry is not a religion, and is not meant to replace religious faith.
• All members are required to profess belief in a Supreme Being, regardless of their specific religious denomination.
• Freemasonry uses rituals, symbols, and a hierarchical structure, which some might perceive as religious-like elements.
• The organization emphasizes moral conduct, charity, and civic responsibility.
• While a belief in a Supreme Being is required, discussion of specific religions and politics is prohibited within lodge meetings.
• There is no specific Masonic God or deity, the Supreme Being is referred to generically as “The Great Architect of the Universe” or similar terms.
• The Catholic Church historically has taken a negative view of Freemasonry, seeing it as incompatible with Catholic doctrine and requiring Catholics to abstain from joining.
Is there a link between freemasons and the Knights Templars? The connection between Freemasons and Knights Templar is largely based on shared symbolism, speculative history, and narratives rather than a direct lineage.
Background of the Knights Templars. The Knights Templar, established around 1119, initially aimed to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. With the Crusades, they gained immense wealth and power, becoming a key military force. Their abrupt demise came in 1307 when King Philip IV of France, motivated by debts and political intrigues, arrested many Templars, leading to their disbandment by Pope Clement V in 1312. This turmoil has created a rich narrative about the supposed survival and influence of the Templars post-dissolution.
Emergence of Freemasonry. Freemasonry emerged in its modern form in the early 18th century, evolving from medieval stonemasons’ guilds. These guilds were responsible for constructing significant buildings and incorporated secretive practices, knowledge of geometry, and spiritual symbolism into their operations. The transformation of these guilds into a fraternal organization allowed for the inclusion of non-masons and speculative philosophies.
Alleged Historical Connections. The link between Freemasonry and the Knights Templar has largely been conjectured and popularized through various narratives:
1.Speculative Theories. One of the earliest proponents, Sir Andrew Michael Ramsay, in a 1736 oration, suggested that European Freemasonry has roots in the traditions of Crusaders, insinuating possible connections with the Templars, though without concrete evidence
2.Symbolism and Shared Ideals. Both organizations are noted for their rich symbolism. The Templar cross and Freemason symbols, such as the compass and square, convey themes of moral integrity and spiritual pursuits. This shared use of symbols fuels theories of influence and adaptation over time
3.The Kirkwall Scroll. This 15th-century artifact contains imagery and symbols that indicate possible connections between the two groups, though interpretations vary.
4.Scotland. Connection Following their disbandment, many Templars are believed to have fled to Scotland, where they might have interacted with stonemasons, potentially influencing the early practices of Freemasonry. Some scholars have speculated that the traditions passed down from the Templars blended into the fabric of Scottish Freemasonry.
Modern-Day Impacts. In contemporary Freemasonry, particularly within its York Rite, there exists a body called the Knights Templar, which honours the legacy of the medieval Knights Templar through ceremonial degrees. However, modern Freemasonry does not claim a direct lineal descent from the original Templar order. Instead, it recognizes the Templars’ ideals as part of a broader context of chivalric virtue, spirituality, and moral tradition within its rituals.
Conclusion. While fascinating connections and narratives exist, most scholars agree that evidence for a direct historical link between the Knights Templar and Freemasonry is minimal. Instead, their relationship is characterized by shared symbolism, thematic parallels, and mythic narratives that have evolved over centuries. The intertwining of their histories continues to intrigue both historians and enthusiasts, ensuring that these connections endure in popular culture and masonic traditions.
Summary of the differences between the Knights Templar, the Knights Hospitaller, and Knights of Malta differ.
Similar Roots and Shared Context:
All three terms share their origins in the medieval Crusading era. Both the Knights Templar and the Knights Hospitaller (later to become Knights of Malta), emerged from a common need; to aid Christian pilgrims journeying to the Holy Land. Each took religious vows – poverty, chastity, and obedience; binding them to ideals of service and protection. In this turbulent period, both orders were pressed into service, not only for their spiritual mission, but also to defend pilgrims and territories in a region of constant conflict. This shared starting point has often led them to be thought of as complementary facets of medieval chivalry.
Divergent Missions and Evolution:
Knights Templar:
- Primary Purpose: Founded around 1119, their initial and enduring mission was military protection. They quickly evolved into a formidable fighting force dedicated to securing safe passage for pilgrims.
- Wealth and Structure: The Templars grew extremely wealthy, thanks in part to an early form of banking and a centralized organizational structure. This financial prowess and political clout eventually set them apart—and ultimately led to their dramatic dissolution in the early 14th century amid political and financial controversies.
Knights Hospitaller:
- Primary Purpose: Originating earlier (often dated to around 1070–1113) in the Holy Land, with the establishment of a hospital for sick pilgrims; the Hospitallers were initially focused on care and charity. Over time however, they too adopted military responsibilities, but always in tandem with their charitable mission.
- Evolution into the Knights of Malta: After experiencing various displacements, from Jerusalem to Cyprus, and then Rhodes; they finally established a lasting base in Malta in 1530. Their presence on the island was so impactful that they came to be known as the Knights of Malta – a name that endures symbolically today.
Distinctive Symbols and Legacies:
- Imagery: The Templars are typically remembered for their white mantles emblazoned with a red cross, emblematic of their martial zeal and austere commitment.
- The Maltese Cross: In contrast, the Hospitallers adopted the eight-pointed Maltese cross as their enduring symbol—a mark that has come to represent a blend of military defence and humanitarian care.
- Historical Impact: While the Templars’ abrupt disappearance in the early 1300s, lends an air of mystery and myth to their legacy, fueling everything from conspiracy theories to popular culture; the Hospitallers/Knights of Malta managed to sustain their organization. They transitioned from a Crusader military force to a governing body that held strategic territories (most notably Malta,) and adapted over time to focus increasingly on humanitarian work.
Final Thoughts:
Both orders were products of their time, shaped by the needs of the Crusading era. The Templars, with their centralized army and financial networks, left a legacy coloured by rapid rise and sudden fall. In contrast, the Hospitallers managed to merge martial prowess with a charitable spirit, eventually establishing the long-lasting institution recognized as the Knights of Malta. Their enduring symbols, the vivid red cross for the Templars and the detailed Maltese cross for the Hospitallers; continue to capture imaginations and inform modern cultural and historical discussions.
Links (internal-external)
If you would like to know more about the Knights Templar, then get your hands on a copy of this book: The Knights Templar – History & Mystery. Published by Pen & Sword and available on Amazon, Waterstones, Barnes & Noble, and WHSmith.
Big production video: (7188) Unveiling their Secrets: The Mysteries of the Knights Templar | Extra Long Documentary – YouTube
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