Because of the impressive stone wall and the large number of saints and martyrs who were born here, the city is often referred to as the ‘City of Stones and Saints’. The most notable presence is of course that of St. Teresa, Carmelite nun and reformer who stayed here. There is a convent and a chapel dedicated to her, although she was born not strictly within the city limits. St. Teresa, however, is not the only saint or martyr with whom the name of Avila is connected. This was the birthplace of Priscillian, the fourth century theologian who earned the prestige of being the first Christian executed on charges of heresy. It is also the burial place of Torquemada, the Grand Inquisitor. Among other prominent figures who were born and resided in the confines of this austere city are Saint John of the Cross, Tomas Luis de Victoria and in more recent times, the philosopher George Santayana.