Order of Aviz

Portuguese knightly-clerical order, founded in 1147 or 1148 (according to another version, in 1162) for the struggle against the Moors. In 1166 the order was given possession of the fortress of Aviz (or Avis)—hence the order’s name—by Alfonso I. The Order of Aviz played a significant role in the reconquest in Portugal. It ceased to exist in 1789.