The Order of Aviz: History & Heritage

Origins in Évora

The Order of Aviz, also spelled Avis, grew from the Militia of Évora in twelfth-century Portugal. Its earliest history is uncertain: the Portuguese presidency’s official account places the brotherhood’s formation around 1175, after the conquest of Évora in 1166.

From Évora to Avis

The brothers adopted the Benedictine rule and came under Calatrava’s obedience in 1187. Their move to Avis around 1223 gave the order its familiar name. The town’s castle and convent became central to its identity.

A Portuguese dynasty

João, Master of Avis, became king after the crisis of 1383–1385. The dynasty took its name from the order. This connection gave a religious military community a lasting place in Portugal’s political history.

The green cross

Aviz’s cross resembles Calatrava’s, with arms ending in fleurs-de-lis, but is green. In our fictional modern gallery, this provides the inspiration for a green-accented mantle.

Places and legacy

The former convent at Avis offers a surviving architectural link to the order. Compare its story with Calatrava and Santiago to explore the Iberian orders.