Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Steccata, Renaissance minor basilica in Parma, Italy
The Sanctuary features a Greek cross floor plan with four semicircular apses and chapels positioned at the corners. The interior displays Renaissance and Baroque elements created by different artists across decades of work.
Construction began in 1521 when the local religious community decided to build a permanent sanctuary to replace the earlier modest shrine. Leading architects including Antonio da Sangallo the Younger helped shape its design, making it an important religious building in the region.
The name comes from a past sanctuary that occupied this spot with a fenced area devoted to prayer. Visitors today experience a space shaped by centuries of local devotion and the artistic works that reflect this community's values.
The building is open to visitors on most days, though hours may shift due to religious services and special events. Modest clothing is expected, and it is wise to check current visiting information before making a trip.
The interior frescoes were painted over several decades by different artists, showing how artistic tastes changed during this period. One painter worked on scenes above the main altar while another focused on the large dome, revealing how long the project took to complete.
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