The Templars were an order of monks-soldiers dedicated to the protection of the pilgrims in their voyage to the Holy Land.
Le Marche region, in central Italy, was an important passage on the way to Jerusalem. From the port of Ancona, the main city of Le Marche, pilgrims and crusaders embarked to their destination and there was a strong presence of Templar hospitals and churches, in this region.
Often Templar symbols are found on churches, monuments and in the underground galleries supposed to be secret gathering spots, like in the maze of tunnels under the city of Osimo.
The Knights Templar history starts in the year 1119 in Jerusalem where the order took its name from the Solomon Temple. When the Christians left the Holy Land, the Templars moved to Cyprus and from there spread all over Europe.
They accumulated great wealth and power with banking activities, lending money to the European kings. The Templar prosperous business turned into their ruin when Philip the Fair of France, unable to repay his enormous debt with them, decided to wipe out the order all together. He also convinced the Pope Clemente V to accuse the Templars of heresy and to confiscate all their properties. The knights were persecuted, killed and tortured and in few years the order was completely annihilated.
It adds to the legends and mysteries surroundings the Templars, the fact that the last Grand Master, James de Molay, dying after atrocious tortures, coursed the names of Philip and Clemente. Within a year both Clemente and Philip died.
An army of Knights Templar is said to be buried in the vicinity of Castignano. There they lay in full armor, face down in sign of humility but ready to spring up at a call to fight. Might they be still protecting the famous but elusive Knights Templar treasure?
Castignano celebrates its legacy to the knights with Templaria, a summer festival that brings the ancient village to life with music, reenactments, performances, open air taverns and a general Medieval character. The village takes a special atmosphere. The view from the square at the top of the town is spectacular and the mood is that of a magic midsummer night.
Discover authentic Italy with http://www.le-marche-travel-guide.com/
The author of this article was born and raised in the Italian region of Le Marche. In her site you'll find insider tips on the attractions, typical food and wines of this beautiful and still undiscovered Italian area.
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