ZACCAGNI, Bernardino - b. ~1460 Rivalta, d. 1530 Parma

Italian architect from Rivalta (near Torrechiara). Architecture in Parma was dominated by the personality of Zaccagni. He is credited with designing the church of Madonna della Steccata in Parma, although the modernity of its centralized plan has led some to suggest that it was actually Bramante’s invention. As a way of explaining the presence of a building of such refinement in a city which was by all accounts peripheral, it has also been hypothesized that the Parmese architect may have been inspired by a major artist such as Leonardo. Zaccagni, with the assistance of his Gianfrancesco, worked at the Steccata until he and his son were dismissed in 1525.

Zaccagni was also responsible for the design of the Oratory of the Immaculate Conception, a centralized structure beside the church of San Francesco del Prato, as well as some minor works in Parma.

View of the dome and the apses

The building was designed by Bernardino Zaccagni. It’s no coincidence that Leonardo-style touches can be found in it. Indeed, we know of studies that Leonardo did for circular-plan buildings; these were illustrated in several sketches that are very similar in appearance to the church of Madonna della Steccata. It is well known that Leonardo stayed in Parma in 1514. The relationship is also known between Leonardo and Giuliano de’Medici, who was at that time Governor of Parma. It is possible (although not documented) that Medici commissioned Leonardo to provide a draft plan of the new church.

The design of the building can be linked also to Bramante. It is thought that the Steccata repeats an early design that the artist made for St. Peter’s in Rome. Even if that is not the case, many believe that he had some influence on the process of building this church.