Calatrava cross

The Cross of Calatrava is a type of cross used by the Order of Calatrava in red (gules), the Order of Montesa in black (sable), and by the Order of Preachers, in black (sable) and white (argent).

A Cross of Calatrava in red (gules)

The cross consists of a Greek cross with four equally-sized arms, with each arm ending with a fleur-de-lis.

The cross can be seen on numerous coats of arms and flags, notably the flag of Buenos Aires, along with multiple towns in the Campo de Calatrava region of Spain. It can also be found in Cantabrian mansions, the coats of arms of some families, and as a representative symbol of the Dominican community.[1][es]

Flag of Buenos Aires, depicting a black eagle holding a Calatrava cross with its left foot

In the Order of Calatrava, the cross was commonly depicted as black, before it was changed to red in the 15th century.[2][es]

References

  1. ^ "La Cruz de Calatrava | Buenos Aires Ciudad - Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires". buenosaires.gob.ar. Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  2. ^ Cabañas, Dr Antonio Salmerón. "Cruz de Calatrava: Real Consejo de las Órdenes de Caballería. Real Consejo de las Órdenes de Caballería, emblema". www.blason.es (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-08-08.
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