Investing in Charity. Merchants and Hospitals in 14th Century Messina

Aim of the paper is the history of the foundation of two hospitals - Sant'Angelo of Capperina and siri Angelo Grande - which constituted significant piece of Messina welfare history before the 15th-16th Century reform. These hospitals were founded by men engaged in mercantile activities, men that at some point in their lives, in different ways and with different scenarios, were involved in the creation, promotion and management of a concrete charity activity. Particular attention is given to the context in which the promoters of these charitable institutions acted, to the foundation's characteristics, and to the economic practices finalised to form, increase and maintain the assets of the two charitable organizations.