Gracia Mendes Nasi

Gracia Mendes Nasi (Gracia is archaic Portuguese and Spanish for the Hebrew Hannah, also known by her Christianized name Beatrice de Luna, 1510–1569) was one of the wealthiest Jewish women of Renaissance Europe. She married into the eminent international banking and finance company known as the House of Mendes. She was the aunt and business partner of Joseph Nasi, who became a prominent figure in the politics of the Ottoman Empire. She also developed an escape network that saved hundreds of Conversos from the Inquisition.