Image of Saint Pantaleon, polycromed and gilded wood, 18th century.

The worshipping of Saint Pantaleon's (Portuguese: São Pantaleão) in Porto began in mid-15th century. A 4th-century martyr, Saint Pantaleon, physician to Emperor Galerius, was subjected to a multitude of torture and ultimately beheaded for refusing to renounce his Christian faith. This saint is regarded by physicians and midwives as their patron saint and he is called upon by believers to relieve them of headaches. According to the local legend, the saint's relics were brought by a group of Byzantium-born Armenians to the city, having arrived in Miragaia during a period in which an epidemic ravaged it – and one that was seemingly and miraculously eradicated by the arrival of the relics. Saint Pantaleon was acclaimed as patron saint of the city in 1499 and part of his relics are transported from the Saint Peter's Church in Miragaia to the Cathedral. In the iconography circulated within the city of Porto, the saint is depicted as being tied to two tree trunks, an image that is certainly related to one of his ordeals in martyrdom. The manner in which the saint is depicted is a predominant image within Portugal – Saint Sebastian (Portuguese: São Sebastião) is portrayed in this fashion (who, aside from being tied in this manner, can be recognised by the arrows stuck in his body), as is Saint Andrew (Portuguese: Santo André), who is presented as being tied to a saltire.