Don García facts for kids
Don García was an important leader from Navarre. He became the very first Grand Master of the Order of Calatrava. This happened between 1164 and 1169. He helped create many of the rules and traditions for this group of knight-monks.
Don García's Story
We don't know exactly when or where Don García was born or died. People believe he came from a region called Navarre. It's also not clear why he was chosen as the first Grand Master. However, the Order of Calatrava was very new back then. It had just been officially recognized by the Pope in 1164.
What we do know is that Don García must have been a great leader and soldier. King Alfonso VIII de Castilla chose him for this important job. Don García was in charge of all the lands and castles protected by the Order. The most famous castle was the one in Almadén.
New Rules for the Knights
During Don García's time, the Order got its official approval from the papacy (the Pope). Their rules were based on the Cistercian Order, which was a group of monks. The Pope's official letter, called a papal bull, set out many rules.
It said that all knights in the Order had to follow three main ideas:
- Obedience: They had to follow orders.
- Chastity: They had to live a pure life.
- Poverty: They had to live simply without much money.
The knights also had strict daily rules. They had to be silent in their sleeping areas and dining halls. They even had to sleep in their armor four days a week! Their only clothing was a simple white cloak. It had a black cross on it, called the "Flordelisada." This cross later changed to red in the 14th century.
His Final Resting Place
After Don García died, he was buried in a special building called a convent. This convent was located near Guadiana. Later, in 1217, his remains were moved. They were taken to the Capilla de los Mártires de Calatrava la Nueva.
| Preceded by None |
 Grand Master of the Order of Calatrava 1164–1169 |
Succeeded by Fernando Icaza |
See also
In Spanish: Don García para niños
- Order of Calatrava
- List of Grand Masters of the Order of Calatrava
