Military Order of Saint James of the Sword

Military Order of Saint James of the Sword
Ordem Militar de Sant'lago da Espada
Emblem of the Order
Awarded by the President of Portugal
TypeAncient military order
Established
  • July 5, 1175 (founded)
  • 1789 (secularized)
Country Portugal
Ribbon  Violet
MottoCiências, Letras e Artes (Sciences, Letters and Arts)
EligibilityPortuguese and foreigners; military and civilian
CriteriaExceptional and outstanding merit in literature, science and the arts
StatusActive
Grand MasterPresident of Portugal
ChancellorJaime Gama
Grades
  • Grand Collar (GColSE)
  • Grand Cross (GCSE)
  • Grand Officer (GOSE)
  • Commander (ComSE)
  • Officer (OSE)
  • Knight (CvSE) / Dame (DmSE)
Precedence
Next (higher)Order of Aviz
Next (lower)Order of Prince Henry

Insignia of the Order

Ribbon bar of the order

The Military Order of Saint James of the Sword (Portuguese: Ordem Militar de Sant'Iago da Espada), formerly known as the Ancient, Most Noble and Enlightened Military Order of Saint James of the Sword, of the Scientific, Literary and Artistic Merit (Antiga, Nobilíssima e Esclarecida Ordem Militar de Sant'Iago da Espada, do Mérito Científico, Literário e Artístico), is one of the four former ancient Portuguese military orders. It was formerly established in 1175 and secularized in 1789.