You may have heard people in Italy referring to others with titles like Cavaliere, Commendatore, or even Grande Ufficiale: Silvio Berlusconi, the late divisive former Prime Minister and tycoon, remains perhaps the most famous of all Cavalieri della Repubblica, at least in popular culture. 

All these titles belong to the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana), Italy’s highest-ranking honor. Established on March 3, 1951, by the second President of the Italian Republic, Luigi Einaudi, this prestigious order recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation in various fields such as literature, the arts, economy, public service, social, philanthropic, and humanitarian activities.