“Have you ever seen a deer with a cross between its antlers?” I ask, pausing for effect as we stand before the Sant’Eustachio in Campo Marzio. “Probably not, but for a Roman soldier named Placidus, such a vision changed everything. This soldier, later known as Saint Eustace, is who this church honors.” Sant’Eustachio in Campo Marzio is much younger than its 8th-century origins suggest. Rebuilt almost completely in the 18th century, only the bell tower survives from its early days. The facade, a collaboration among architects, is an interesting blend of periods. Notice the lower section with its deer head-adorned columns? That’s a nod to our friend Eustace. He was a hunter who, legend says, converted to Christianity after seeing that very vision. This church, built on the site where he and his family were martyred, proudly displays his symbol.” I point upwards. “Look at the very top. See that deer head crowning the facade? A constant reminder of Eustace’s faith.” Inside, the Sant’Eustachio in Campo Marzio is a beautiful example of Baroque design. The space is dominated by gilded accents and intricate marble work, a testament to the church’s importance. As you explore, don’t miss the main altar – a masterpiece by Nicola Salvi. Below it lies an ancient porphyry urn, said to hold the relics of Saint Eustace. The Sant’Eustachio in Campo Marzio is more than just a pretty facade. It is a place of intriguing legends, architectural brilliance, and enduring faith.
Chiesa di Santa Maria in Monticelli
Is this heaven? Because standing before the Chiesa di Santa Maria in Monticelli, one might feel a touch of the