It is named after Cardinal Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros.

Primarily bestowed during the Francoist dictatorship and currently dormant, it rewarded political merit.

[3] Although the order has not been awarded since September 1977, it has not been formally abolished by the Spanish government.

[1] The order is composed of the Eagle of Saint John atop a red Maltese cross.

[1] 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.