Order of the Eagle of Este
| Order of the Eagle of Este Ordine dell'Aquila Estense | |
|---|---|
Order's medal | |
| Awarded by Duchy of Modena and Reggio | |
| Type | Chivalric order with three degrees |
| Established | 27 December 1855 |
| Motto | PROXIMA SOLI |
| Awarded for | Faithful civilians and officers and distinguished foreigners |
| Status | former order |
| Founder | Francis V of Modena |
| Grades | Grand Cross Commander Knight |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | None (highest) |
| Next (lower) | Cross of Seniority of Service |
Ribbon bar of the Order | |
The Order of the Eagle of Este is a knighthood order of the dynastic house of Duchy of Modena and Reggio, a former sovereign state before the Italian unification.
The Order was instituted on 27 December 1855 by Francis V of Modena, Duke of Modena and Reggio, to reward the services and the merits of faithful civilians and officers. The order was established under the protection (patronage) of Saint Contardo of Este, a maternal ancestor of the founder (House of Este), and protector of Modena.