It’s unsurprising that an organization focused on defending territories, especially in the challenging environment of the Holy Land, would prioritize castle construction. Castle building was a well-known art during the Middle Ages, and the Templars had a distinct advantage. As an international organization, they could draw upon the diverse building practices of the various nations that contributed members. Incorporating techniques from English, French, German, and Italian castle builders, along with lessons learned from both allies and foes in the Levant, the Templars constructed formidable structures capable of withstanding intense attacks. However, these massive castles were typical for the era, and while impressive, they may be overshadowed by the innovation seen in some of the smaller, more intricate buildings associated with the Templar Order.
Moreover, the Templars possessed extensive knowledge of the imposing citadels found in Southern France and the ancient ruins in the Jordan Valley, dating back thousands of years before their time. This aptitude of the Templars to observe and absorb knowledge is often overlooked by scholars seeking alternative explanations for the remarkable achievements of the Knights Templar.
However, it is in the realm of domestic and ecclesiastical architecture that the craftsmanship of the Templars shines brightest. While the Templars constructed relatively few castles compared to the thousands of Commanderies scattered across Europe, their architectural prowess is evident. Many of these Commanderies served as substantial farms, where practicality dictated the building designs and styles. For instance, as primarily farmers, the Templars quickly mastered the construction of massive barns, some of which still stand today. Built with timber frames and displaying exquisite beauty, these structures were primarily functional, reflecting the Templars’ pragmatic approach at every level of endeavor.
While the Templars have been associated with the emergence of the Gothic architectural style, they seldom utilized similar techniques extensively in their own constructions. Gothic cathedrals are characterized by the pointed, rounded arches known as ‘ogives,’ which regained popularity during the Victorian era. These ogives are stacked in arcades, creating immense strength that allows for thinner walls and larger windows compared to earlier church designs. External stresses are mitigated by the iconic ‘flying buttresses,’ a hallmark of Cathedral architecture across Europe from the 12th century onward. Although both St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a prominent figure in the Cistercian Order, and the Templars have been associated with the Gothic architectural movement, conclusive evidence is lacking.
The Templars eventually favored circular or octagonal church designs, although this was not initially the case. Permission for the Templars to construct their own churches was granted as early as 1139. The earliest examples are typically rectangular and distinctly non-Gothic. Instead, these early Templar ecclesiastical structures feature vaulted ceilings, emphasizing strength, possibly influenced by architects familiar with fortifications. They often include semicircular apses, reminiscent of contemporary Middle Eastern architecture. Like their Cistercian counterparts, the Templars prioritized functionality over aesthetic appeal. The construction techniques employed in these early structures exhibit strong similarities with non-Templar architecture of the same era, particularly Norman architecture in France and parts of Britain.
The construction of round or octagonal churches came a bit later in the Templar timeline. One of the finest surviving examples of a Templar round church can be found in London, as discussed in another article in this edition. In instances where expansion was necessary, such as in the London church, rectangular chancels and numerous outbuildings were added. However, Templar churches generally remained modest compared to the grand cathedrals and abbeys constructed during the same era. In regions where Templar members had recently been engaged in conflict in the Holy Land, their churches began to resemble fortified manors, as seen in examples in Portugal and Spain. Nonetheless, circular and rectangular designs predominated even in these areas. The preference for circular and octagonal churches likely stemmed from a reverence for the sacred structures the Templars sought to protect in Jerusalem, such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
It’s crucial in our research not to attribute superhuman qualities to the Knights Templar. There’s nothing remarkably exceptional about any individual Templar building when compared to similar structures of the same era built by other entities. What stands out is the diverse approach to Templar architecture, reflective of the organization’s international connections and extensive travels. However, quality appears to have been paramount, along with functionality, a principle that influenced nearly every aspect of Templar endeavors throughout the Order’s existence.
As wealth and influence grew, similar to their monastic counterparts, the Cistercians, the Templars began to depart from St. Bernard of Clairvaux’s original instructions for “simple architecture.” Later Templar buildings, especially the churches, became more ornate. Initially, neither the Cistercians nor the Templars permitted burials with effigies within the sacred space of churches. However, later Templar churches, like the one in London, demonstrate how this strict rule was eventually disregarded or bypassed, with affluent patrons interred within the church, often beneath elaborately carved canopies. Overall, though, it’s evident that the Templars adhered more closely to St. Bernard’s principles than the Cistercians did, possibly due to the proliferation of smaller Templar churches compared to the fewer but grander Cistercian abbeys.
Knights Templar architecture was just one facet of the Templar empire. While crucial, especially for defense purposes, it’s unsurprising that we’re impressed by the sheer scale of Templar castles and citadels. However, sustaining even a few castles in the Holy Land required thousands of Commanderies, farms, granges, and toll cottages. Upon the Templars’ demise, many of their more modest architectural creations were likely demolished or integrated into later structures. Without this, modern observers might be overwhelmed not by the architectural grandeur of specific examples, but by the sheer abundance of Templar buildings across Europe and beyond.
The Knights Templar were pragmatic individuals navigating a challenging world. Their understanding of practicality surpassed that of most organizations of their era, and they adapted accordingly. The enduring presence of many of their architectural creations, particularly churches still in use today, attests to the reliability of their methods and the longevity of their craftsmanship. While some may seek hidden geometric or esoteric meanings within specific Templar structures, for this writer, the sheer magnitude of Templar construction, achieved within a relatively brief period and across vast territories, is the most awe-inspiring aspect.
We trust you found this archival piece on TemplarUniform enjoyable.
knighttemplar