Parte Guelfa

Founded in 1266, Parte Guelfa is a non-profit association based in Firenze, Italy working on environment & climate, nature & wildlife conservation, heritage +2 more.

Parte Guelfa, formally the Arciconfraternita di Parte Guelfa (also Ordo Partis Guelfae), is a volunteer-based association headquartered in Florence, Italy. Its origins date to 1266, and it was reactivated in 2015 under the Florentine republican framework. The organisation carries out a permanent environmental vigilance service in urban parks and protected areas, notably the Parco delle Cascine, through its Reggimento San Francesco, and runs environmental monitoring, education and clean-up activities, including along Lake Bilancino and the Chianti and Val d'Elsa. It also maintains equestrian and historic traditions in Florence, such as the Giostra del Giglio and Fiorente, and religious and pastoral activities through its San Lodovico regiment. Its members, called Confratelli and Consorelle, are organised into regiments, squadrons, provincial companies and regional and international lieutenancies, including units in the United Arab Emirates, Japan and Lebanon. The organisation also cooperates with the Italian civil protection system and public bodies such as the Autorità di Bacino dell'Appennino Settentrionale.