One of the most mysterious orders ever to have existed in history is that founded by the Templars. It is credited with building all the major Gothic churches of the Old World, possessing relics like the Grail and the Spear of Destiny. As well as knowledge of the mysteries of the universe and much more. The Order quickly emerged, gained strength and was just as quickly destroyed when it came up against the authority of the Pope and the French King. With the death of the Order collapsed a whole era: gone Crusades, chivalry, were hidden secret knowledge. There are true supporters of the “conspiracy theory”, who believe that the Order still exists. And its representatives are still as secretly influence the world on a par with the Freemasons, Illuminati and other secret organisations. However, these are fictions. But the history of the order from this less interesting does not become.
Templars in translation from French means “Templars”. The emergence of the order is associated with the Crusades, as well as with ensuring the safety of pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land. Even during the First Crusade Hugo de Payne organised a militia consisting of poor knights who were to stand in the service of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. There were a total of eight such knights at that time. This militia soon became the Order of the Knights of the Temple. The order, which began as the poorest, quickly became one of the richest in Europe. Three papal bulls were issued. According to them, the Templars could build their churches throughout Europe, were independent of all but the Pope, and were exempt from taxes. In addition, donating money to the order was granted forgiveness of sins. All this allowed the Order to become fabulously wealthy in a very short time. The Templars could compete not only with all the European monarchs, but also with the power and authority of the Vatican itself.
We offer to get to know Genoa through the prism of events connected with the Crusades, the search for the Holy Grail and the role of the legendary Templar Order – it is interesting for adults and children alike, because Genoa still has an impressive architectural monument that testifies to the fact that it was one of the largest centres on the way of pilgrims to the Holy Lands.
You will try to objectively assess the political, spiritual and social role of the Templar Order and their followers up to the present day, as well as to unravel the networks of dark mysticism and prejudice, which generously filled with fiction. The Templar theme will fit particularly well into a walking tour of Genoa, starting at the Genoa Cruise Terminal.
