The Order of Cisneros () is a state order of Spain created in 1944. It is named after Cardinal Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros. Primarily bestowed during the Francoist dictatorship and currently dormant, it rewarded political merit.
History
The Order of Cisneros was established by Francisco Franco on 8 March 1944. The order was modified in 1976 to only reward politicians for merit, and was later modified again on 15 April 1977. Although the order has not been awarded since September 1977, it has not been formally abolished by the Spanish government.
Design
The order is composed of the Eagle of Saint John atop a red Maltese cross. Adorning the cross are two sets of five arrows and a yoke is present at the tail of the eagle, in reference to the yoke and arrows, the symbol of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain which was repurposed by the Falangist movement.
Classes
The order is composed of eight classes:
Grand Collar
Grand Cross
Band
Commendation with Plaque
Commendation
Ribbon
Cross
Gold Medal
Notable recipients
Emiliano José Alfaro Arregui (1977) Carlos Asensio Cabanillas (1956)
Antonio Barroso y Sánchez Guerra (1953)
Luis Carrero Blanco (1970) Andrés Casinello Antonio Castejón Espinosa Víctor Castro (1976) José Cuesta Monereo Sancho Dávila y Fernández de Celis (Commendation with Plaque, 1944) Luis Díez-Alegría (18 July 1967)
Alfredo Galera (1956) Rafael García Valiño Carlos Iniesta Cano (18 July 1969) José Lacalle (1956) Tomás de Liniers y Pidal (1974) José López Ortiz Pablo Martín Alonso (1956)
Camilo Menéndez Tolosa (1945) Mohamed Meziane Agustín Muñoz Grandes (1956, 1970) Pedro Nieto (1954) Pilar Primo de Rivera
Eduardo Sáenz de Buruaga
Apolinar Sáenz de Buruaga y Polanco (1956) (1956)