Why is the Church of Sant' Eustachio Crowned with a Stag's Head?

Walking Tours of Rome

Stag's Head, Sant' Eustachio

---

The facade of the ancient church of Sant' Eustachio is crowned with a curious image of a stag's head, which bears betwixt its antlers a bronze cross.  

The church is dedicated to Saint Eustace, a legendary Christian martyr, who, according to tradition, was an officer in Trajan's army. His conversion to Christianity is said to have occurred while he was out hunting, when he was confronted by a white stag, which bore a radiant crucifix between its antlers. He then heard a voice telling him that he would be sent many tribulations as a test of his new faith. The officer was baptised in the name of Eustace, having been born Placidus. 

Eustace, his wife, and their two sons, are said to have been martyred in 118. The manner of their death was particularly gruesome; they were roasted alive in a hollow bronze bull.

St Eustace is the patron saint of hunters and fire-fighters. 

---

Sant' Eustachio