The Knights Templar first appeared in the Kingdom of Jerusalem as a monastic order that aims to protect Christian travelers and traders coming to the Holy Land. However, shortly after, the organization grew in power and built many sites in the Middle East and also in Europe. Many Templar buildings capture their astonishing architecture and their dedication to the details. These are some of their most notable sites.
The Medieval Kingdom of Aragón in Spain: It was one of the provinces where the Templars had the most influence. It was the birthplace of some of their most prominent Grand Masters. The site also served as a battling theatre for the Crusades against the Muslim Moors during the Reconquista. As the Templars became more powerful in the region, they build several fortresses and served as mediators between the kingdom and the Church of Aragon.
Arville is a former commune in central France, and it served as a Templar complex. The knights used it as a center to train for war and to recruit new members. Those who were well trained in Arville could fight with the Crusaders in Jerusalem. After the order's epic fall, it was passed to the Knights Hospitaller.
La Rochelle: The Knights Templar were skilled traders whose wealth made them an influential group in the Medieval Ages. For that, a port on the Atlantic coast was a necessity. La Rochelle played an important site through which the Templar shipped arrived in France.
Tomar: France was not the only European country where the Templars were active. After the Templars won the battle against the Moors, they captured Tomar, and it became their headquarters in Portugal. They built a planned city comprising many buildings and castles, the thing that allowed them to expand to the Moorish territories.
The Temple Church in London: It was perhaps one of the most famous Templar sites in 1185 when the order was at its peak. It represented the symbolism of the Knights Templar and served as their headquarters in England. Till today, it is considered one of the fascinating churches in London.