The Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus is a Roman Catholic dynastic order of knighthood bestowed by the royal House of Savoy. It is the second-oldest order of knighthood in the world, tracing its lineage to AD 1119. It is one of the rare orders of knighthood recognized by papal bull, specifically by Pope Gregory XIII. Formally established in 1572 through the merger of two pre-existing institutions: the religious-military Order of Saint Maurice and the ancient Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem. Currently, the institution is officially recognized by the Holy See as the sole legitimate heir to the historical and spiritual heritage of the Lazarites.
- Country
- Duchy of Savoy, Kingdom of Sardinia, Kingdom of Italy
- Inception
- 1572
