Many events and exhibitions have been organized around Italy to commemorate the visionary talent of Leonardo da Vinci, the “Universal Genius,” to celebrate the 500th anniversary of his death. A visit to his birthplace could offer a different, and perhaps more intimate, point of view for learning more about the symbol of the Renaissance, seeing firsthand where he took his first steps and got his first inspirations.
Vinci
The delightful town Vinci is located on the slopes of Montalbano, nestled in the picturesque Tuscan countryside full of vineyards and olive groves on terraces held up by characteristic stone walls. Located just a short distance from major cities such as Florence, Pisa, Pistoia, Lucca and Siena, the town is one piece of the puzzle in learning about Leonardo and his genius. With less than 15,000 inhabitants, in 1954 Vinci was given the title of “city” for its historical importance thanks to the decree of the President of the Republic, Luigi Einaudi. Among pedestrian streets and houses that express all the glorious past of the medieval old town, you can travel back in time and admire romantic views and interesting monuments such as the Shrine of the Annunciation, an ancient oratory likely dating back to the 16th century. The countryside surrounding the city offers a charming and welcoming pastoral setting, perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Places to visit in Leonardo’s city
Leonardo’s birthplace is nestled among the centuries-old olive trees of Montalbano in Anchiano: it is picturesquely connected to the city by the Strada Verde (Green Road), an ancient path that winds down from Vinci for about two miles. This is the first must-see on the chronological path reliving the life of Leonardo, born April 15, 1452. The first impression you get is of traveling back in time, as the features of the landscape likely have not changed much from those Leonardo began to contemplate and draw in his early childhood.
Enjoy a fascinating visit to the Chiesa di Santa Croce from the 13th century. Its small baptistery still preserves the ancient baptismal font where Leonardo was christened, along with a plaque commemorating the event with the words his grandfather Antonio da Vinci had noted in his personal registry.
Then make a stop at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, visited every year by 130,000 people and containing privileged documentation on Leonardo and scientific knowledge during the Renaissance. You can enter Palazzina Uzielli from the charming Piazza dei Guidi, where you can admire exhibitions of the ingenious projects of Leonardo da Vinci, specifically his construction and textile machinery, also with animated digital reconstructions. The Conti Guidi Castle instead offers a second collection with exhibitions including military machines, flying machines, amphibious machines (Leonardo’s self-propelling cart or so-called “car” is truly amazing), and various scientific instruments.
Behind the admirable fortress, don’t miss the large wooden sculpture by Mario Ceroli, L’Uomo di Vinci, inspired by Leonardo’s famous drawing, the Vitruvian Man. Another contemporary work of art is the Cavallo di Leonardo (1997), a bronze equestrian monument by the sculptor Nina Akamu inspired by the great artist’s drawings of horses.
The Leonardian Library is an international reference point for Leonardo scholars, as full and rich as Aladdin’s cave of treasures. The Library offers facsimile reproductions of all Leonardo’s manuscripts and drawings, as well as all the printed editions of his works, starting from the first dating from the early 16th century. The collection includes over 7,000 monographs in various languages. Officially inaugurated in 1928, the collection can only be visited with an appointment.
The Museo Ideale Leonardo Da Vinci is located outside the city walls. Housed in the ancient cellars of the Vinci castle, it offers a private collection of documents and reconstructions about Leonardo.
Accommodation
Villa Dianella dates back to the late 16th century and was used by the Medicis as a hunting lodge, hence the name Dianella, a nickname of Diana, the goddess of hunting. The magnificent location offers a dream-like holiday in an elegant and modest environment that exudes warmth and hospitality. It offers many unique opportunities to experience life as Leonardo did: from a visit to the vineyard to wine tastings, or participating in a cooking course to taste and make historical dishes and learn interesting anecdotes. Don’t miss the rose water, made from the original recipe of the Codex Atlanticus.
La Casina di Manon is located directly in front of the Leonardo da Vinci Museum. The charming bed & breakfast is perfect for those who prefer a holiday that feels more like staying at home. Within its beautifully renovated historic walls, the B&B’s owner Paola offers an evocative and romantic experience, with attention dedicated to every detail.
Where to dine
La Burra di Vinci is a picturesque farmhouse immersed in nature in the Tuscan hills, offering high-quality food, full of 0-km products. The menu is linked to the surrounding land, offering generous portions including typical Tuscan appetizers (finocchiona salami with fennel seeds, salamis, ham, black crostini, sausage crostini, roast vegetable crostini and savory ricotta and carrot pie with turmeric), homemade tagliatelle with ragù, and a variety of grilled meats. Il Ristoro del Museo is a small, delightful, rustic restaurant in the historic center located just after the Leonardo Museum in Palazzo Uzielli. Stop for a perfect lunch or dinner break after having traveled along the artistic path of the symbol of the Renaissance, relaxing to enjoy typical homemade dishes ranging from beans with sage to pappardelle in hare sauce. And, of coarse, there is the original “Fiorentina” T-bone steak.