The beginning of the succession of bishops of Basel is shrouded in legend.
The first, St. Pantalus, eludes historical documentation.
He is supposed to have been martyred at Cologne with Saint Ursula, who is herself difficult to locate historically.
[2]
St Pantalus under a Renaissance Portico
(1519–21), a design for a stained glass window by
Hans Holbein the Younger
later incorporated into the organ shutters at
Basel Cathedral
: the legendary first bishop of Basel is depicted holding a
palm branch
symbolizing his martyrdom
[
1
]
