San Stae Church
Said to have been founded in 966 and dedicated to Sant'Eustacchio (St Eustace, the commander of Trajan's army, who is said to have seen the crucifix between the antlers of a deer whilst hunting). He becomes San Stae in Venetian dialect. The first written references to the church appear in the 11th Century. This original church, rebuilt in the 12th Century following a fire, was side-on to the Grand Canal (see detail from map below) and was demolished in 1678. The current church was then built by Giovanni Grassi, who realigned it to face the Grand Canal. The façade of 1709 is by Domenico Rossi, whose design was the winner amongst twelve designs submitted in competition. It was paid for by a legacy in the will of Doge Alvise Mocenigo and features the work of seven sculptors, the statues being of various virtues, saints and angels