Florence - Archconfraternity of Mercy Arciconfraternità della Misericordia

This Order, the oldest and most distinguished association of Florentine citizens for social and charitable purposes, was founded in 1326, when the plague raged in Florence, to aid the sick poor and attend to their burial. Michelangelo was a member of the Order which used to wear red hoods (these are now black) and which has its headquarters near the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore.