What countries had Templars?

When we think of the Knights Templar, images of crusaders in white mantles marked with red crosses charging across the Holy Land often come to mind. But the Order of the Poor Knights of Christ of the Temple of Solomon was far more than a band of warriors. They were bankers, builders, diplomats—and their influence spread across vast swathes of medieval Europe and the Near East.

Let’s explore the major regions where the Templars established a powerful presence.

🇫🇷 France: The Birthplace and the End

France was the heartland of the Templar Order. Founded in 1119 by French knights, the Order established its headquarters in Paris and held vast estates throughout the country. Ironically, it was also in France where the Order met its downfall, as King Philip IV arrested Templar leaders in 1307, leading to the Order's suppression.

🇬🇧 England: A Stronghold of Wealth and Power

Templars arrived in England shortly after their founding. The Temple Church in London, built in the 12th century, became the spiritual and administrative center. English monarchs often supported the Templars, granting them lands and privileges.

🇪🇸 Spain: Warriors of the Reconquista

In the Iberian Peninsula, Templars were deeply involved in the Christian Reconquista against Muslim rule. They held castles, defended frontiers, and contributed to the military campaigns in Aragon, Castile, and León.

Portugal

Portugal was unique. After the suppression of the Templars, King Dinis created the Order of Christ, transferring Templar assets to the new group. Many historians view it as a direct continuation of the Templar spirit, and it later supported Portugal's Age of Exploration.

🇮🇹 Italy: A Hub of Finance and Pilgrimage

The Templars held estates and commanderies across Italy, including Rome and Venice. They also provided banking services to pilgrims and nobles, reinforcing their reputation as the first multinational financial institution.

🏰 The Crusader States: Jerusalem, Tripoli, and Antioch

Templar origins lie in the Holy Land. In Jerusalem, they protected pilgrims and sacred sites. They built castles in Tripoli and Antioch, serving as frontline defenders against Muslim forces during the Crusades.

🇭🇺 Hungary and 🇭🇷 Croatia: Guardians of the Frontier

In Central Europe, Templars supported Christian rulers by defending borderlands against pagan or Muslim incursions. Hungary and Croatia offered them both land and military responsibility.

🏰 Other Regions: Poitou, Anjou, and the Plantagenet Connection

Regions like Poitou and Anjou, though geographically within what we now call France, were under Plantagenet influence during the 12th–13th centuries. These areas had their own Templar commanderies and enjoyed semi-independent operations, often aligning more with English royalty than the French crown.

🧭 Final Thoughts

The Knights Templar were never just warriors—they were visionaries who built an international network of castles, churches, and commanderies. Their reach across Europe and the Middle East shaped medieval politics, warfare, and even early banking. To understand their power, you must look at the map—and realize that the red cross once flew in places far beyond the Holy Land.