In 1155, the Carmelite Order was established by a group of hermits living on Mount Carmel, dedicated to contemplative prayer and devotion to the Virgin Mary. This order emphasized a life of solitude, prayer, and community, which became a model for later religious communities. The Carmelites played a significant role in the spiritual landscape of medieval Christianity, contributing to the development of mysticism and contemplative practices. Their influence continues to be felt in contemporary Christian spirituality.

The establishment of the Carmelite Order fostered a rich tradition of mystical poetry, particularly through figures like Teresa of Ávila and John of the Cross. Their works emphasized spiritual longing and divine love, profoundly influencing Spanish Golden Age poetry and beyond.