Saint Gualfardo

Gualfardo of Verona, also known as Wolfhard of Augsburg (1070–1127), was a Swabian artisan and trader who lived primarily around Verona, Italy. Born in Augsburg, the chief city of Swabia at the time, Gualfardo embarked on a pilgrimage with some journeyman merchants to Verona in 1096. He spent a short period working as a master harnessmaker before retiring to a dense forest near the Adige River not far from Verona. For twenty years, he lived as a hermit until discovered by hunters and returned to Verona. There, he established a shop near the abbey of San Salvatore but later moved again due to a flood, building a hermit's cell nearby at Santa Trinità. Known for his miracles, Gualfardo was well sought after by the Veronese for his healing powers until his death in 1127 at Curte-Regia near Verona. His life story, composed within decades of his death, emphasizes his devotion to solitude and hospitality towards city-dwellers who brought him food.