History

The Order of San Lorenzo (Orden de San Lorenzo) was instituted by Juan Pío Montúfar on August 10, 1809. It was founded to commemorate the recent Spanish defeat in Quito, and the establishment of the new revolutionary government in the city. It was conferred for outstanding military service to the nation, and it was awarded to each member of the First Revolutionary Council. It continued to be issued until the Council was dissolved and the Spanish held power once again. It was named after martyr Saint Lawrence.

On August 10, 1959, the Order was reinstated by President Camilo Ponce Enriquez, and finally, it was restructured on June 4, 2001. Nowadays, it is the highest award granted in Ecuador, both in civil and military fields, and it is awarded in recognition of exceptional merit.

The Order's grades are Grand Collar, Grand Cross, and Grand Officer. Presumable, the grades were modified through the Order's history, however, this information is not confirmed.