Marcello Savonarola was a Carmelite monk, living in the Santa Maria Novella in Florence. He was the cousin of Girolamo Savonarola. In 1492, Marcello was harassed by Borgia guards, who mistook him for Girolamo, and was questioned about the whereabouts of the Apple of Eden. After being physically abused, he was rescued by Ezio Auditore da Firenze, who watched the scene unfold from atop the Santa Maria. Being in his favor, Marcello revealed to Ezio that Girolamo was in Venice at the time after being asked about his whereabouts. He thanked Ezio, who left for Venice immediately.