Wentzwiller

In the centre of Wentzwiller, a sweet little village not far from Folgensbourg, there’s a signpost “Aux trois vierges” (to the Three Virgins). It leads to an idyllic clearing in the forest between Wentzwiller and Hagenthal, where the tomb of the three blessed virgins stands. Very little is known about where the women came from. According to tradition they lived here withdrawn and devoted, carrying out good works, until they were murdered by an unknown assailant. The townspeople of Wentz-willer buried the ladies respectfully in the forest and over time the site became increasingly popular with pilgrims. Help with mobility difficulties and with tooth ache was reported. Amongst the villagers the three young girls are believed to be Einbeth, Wilbeth and Worbeth, companions of St. Ursula. A nineteenth century priest in Wentzwiller wanted to clear up the mystery surrounding the virgins. He opened the tomb and was amazed to actually find three skeletons, which he then re-interred in the cemetery. After the funeral it started to rain incessantly, and it didn’t stop until the bodies of the three hermits were returned to their resting place in the forest.