Florence - Archconfraternity of Mercy

(Local Name: 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. The duties of the Order used to include accompanying condemned prisoners to the place of execution. Nowadays the confraternity runs a modern ambulance service and a first-aid center. It has over 2,000 members, all volunteers, and is funded by donations.