Orden der Taube

The Order of the Dove [Orden der Taube] was a Spanish order of chivalry. The founder of this order was John I, King of Castile.

The insignia of the order was a gold necklace with a golden, white-enameled dove with a red beak. It hung from a chain of joined gold suns.

The year of foundation was 1290 in Segovia. Other sources give 1379 as the date of foundation. The statement “King Henry founded the order in 1399” is attributable to its similarity to the English Order of the Dove.

The purpose of the order was the defense of the Catholic faith and the protection of orphans. The knights had to vow marital chastity. The order rendered great services to society, but it became extinct with the death of its founder.