There is no incontrovertible evidence as to when and where scagliola was actually invented, although there is little doubt that it first appeared on a grand scale in the Munich Residence towards the end of the 1600s.  As this section makes clear however,  unanswered questions remain. 

The Reiche Kapelle, Munich Residence.
© Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung, www.schloesser.bayern.de
Photo by Richard Feroze 

Special acknowledgements:  I would like to thank the many people at the Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung who have helped and advised me.  In particular I must thank Dr. Hermann Neumann of the Buildings Department for taking the time to show me so much of the Munich Residenz, and for explaining its history to me at first hand.  His assistance has been invaluable.