Wilgefortis is a female folk saint whose legend arose in the 14th century, and whose distinguishing feature is a large beard. According to the legend of her life, set in Portugal and Galicia, she was a teenage noblewoman who had been promised in marriage by her father to a Moorish king. To thwart the unwanted wedding, she had taken a vow of virginity, and prayed that she would be made repulsive. In answer to her prayers she sprouted a beard, which ended the engagement. In anger, Wilgefortis' father had her crucified.
Saint Wilgefortis, 18th century German painting
"The martyrdom of St. Wilgefortis" by Hieronymus Bosch
Saint Wilgefortis in the diocesan museum of Graz, Austria
Sigüenza is a city in the Serranía de Guadalajara comarca, Province of Guadalajara, Castile-La Mancha, Spain.
Sigüenza
Cathedral of Sigüenza.
The sepulchre of Martín Vázquez de Arce, with the doncel de Sigüenza
The medieval castle.