This small Tuscan town was Leonardo da Vinci's birthplace in 1452. Its medieval streets, olive groves, and Leonardo Museum tell stories of the Renaissance genius.
Vinci, a small medieval town in Tuscany's Florence province, is where Leonardo da Vinci was born in 1452. From the medieval Guidi Castle's tower, you can look out over olive-covered hills that have remained largely unchanged since the Renaissance. As you walk through the narrow streets, you'll pass the 13th-century Santa Croce Church where Leonardo was baptized, see bronze sculptures based on his designs, and explore working models of his most ambitious inventions.
Leonardo da Vinci Museum Experience
The Leonardo Museum occupies two buildings in central Vinci: the medieval Guidi Castle and Palazzina Uzielli. You can examine working wooden models built according to Leonardo's original designs - from his experimental flying machines to military devices and engineering tools. Touch screens and digital animations explain how each invention works. Climb the castle's tower for views across the Tuscan countryside, and see the ceramic Madonna and Child by Giovanni della Robbia in the main hall.
Walking to Leonardo's Birthplace
Walk 3 kilometers from town to Anchiano along the Strada Verde (Green Path) to reach Leonardo's birthplace, a stone farmhouse amid vineyards and olive groves. Inside, you'll find reproductions of his drawings and can watch a hologram presentation about his life. The walk takes about 45 minutes each way on a path that winds through the same landscape Leonardo explored as a child.
Exploring Vinci's Town Center
Step into the 13th-century Santa Croce Church to see the baptismal font where Leonardo was baptized. In Piazza dei Guidi, artist Mimmo Paladino created geometric patterns in Cardoso stone, inspired by Leonardo's mathematical studies. Walk to Piazza della Libertà to see Nina Akamu's bronze Horse, which brings Leonardo's unrealized sculpture designs to life.
Research and Documentation
Visit the Biblioteca Leonardiana to see copies of Leonardo's manuscripts and drawings, including his distinctive mirror writing. The library gives researchers access to digital archives and documentation about Leonardo's scientific and artistic work.
Local Food and Agriculture
The olive groves surrounding Vinci produce IGP-certified extra virgin olive oil with a characteristic spicy flavor. Try traditional Tuscan dishes in local restaurants, such as pappa col pomodoro (bread and tomato soup) and farinata di cavolo nero (black cabbage soup). The area's vineyards produce Chianti Montespertoli and Chianti Colli Fiorentini wines.
Annual Events
During the last weekend of July, the Unicorn Festival fills Vinci's streets with medieval fantasy characters and activities. Earlier that week, watch the historical procession of Captain Cecco Santi, where participants wear period costumes and perform traditional ceremonies.
Getting to Vinci
Drive 50 minutes west from Florence toward Pisa to reach Vinci. By public transport, take a train from Florence to Empoli (30 minutes), then catch bus 49 from Piazza Don Minzoni to Vinci (20 minutes). The bus stops near the museums.
