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# Saint Eustace's stag and the Roman church that gave its name to a square
- URL: https://theparnassian.com/en/v-samom-tsentre-rima-est-nebolshaia-tserkov-s-ochen-neobychnym-raspiatiem-s-ee-kryshi-na-gorod-vziraet-olen-s-krestom-mezhdu-rogami/
- Published: 2018-12-12T19:25:16.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-02T19:09:51.000Z
- Author: Alexandr Radayev
- Tags: Architecture, Faith, Observations, Rome

In the very heart of Rome stands a small church with a most unusual crucifix: from its roof a stag gazes down upon the city, a cross between its antlers.

This is the heraldic emblem of Saint Eustace, a Roman general who converted to Christianity after meeting, while out hunting, a stag with a crucifix on its head: the stag addressed the huntsman, asking why he was pursuing it when it wished only for his salvation. The saint's life is altogether fascinating, and I recommend making its acquaintance. Placidus (Eustace) later suffered a martyr's death and is venerated by all Christians. At times, however contradictory it may sound, he is called the patron saint of hunting. The Church of Saint Eustace, one of two that gave their names to Roman squares, is known from the 8th century and has stood on this spot since the 9th at the very least.

The stag is simply magnificent. Amen