TemplarsNow: July 2025

In the heart of the Crusader stronghold of Acre, the Knights Templar established more than just a military base. They also founded the Knights Templar Chapel where they gathered a collection of relics. How did they use this remarkable collection to shape religious experience, assert political influence, and attract pilgrims from across the Christian world?

Templar Key Information

The Rule of St Benedict c. 500 CE, starting point for the rule of the Cistercian Order, which was the monastic mother of the Order of the Knights Templar

Charta Caritatis c. 1119 CE, rule of the Cistercian Order, originally written by Stephan Harding, 3rd abbot of the first Cistercian Abbey at Citeaux, France. The Charter in other languages is to be found here

Primitive Rule of the Knights Templar c. 1129 CE, by Bernard de Clairvaux, abbot of the Cistercian Clairvaux Abbey, France, presented by him at the Council of Troyes, and accepted there after which the Order was officially endorsed by the Church.

In Praise of the New Knighthood c. 1136 CE, by Bernard de Clairvaux, in support of the juvenile Order of the Knights Templar. The complete text of this work (all 13 chapters in French) can be found here

Rule of the Order of St John (Hospitallers) by blessed Raymond de Puy (1120-1160)

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Sacred Power: The Relics of the Knights Templar Chapel in Acre

A possible Templar site at Westervelde near Norg, the Netherlands

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