Vinci, A Journey into the World of Leonardo da Vinci

Vinci, a small town nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany, holds a significant place in history as the birthplace of one of the greatest minds the world has ever known – Leonardo da Vinci. Steeped in charm and rich with Renaissance heritage, Vinci invites visitors to immerse themselves in the footsteps of this visionary artist, inventor, and polymath. From exploring Leonardo’s birth home to admiring the masterpieces housed in the Leonardo Museum, Vinci offers a captivating journey into the life and legacy of the legendary Leonardo da Vinci.

Leonardo da Vinci’s Birthplace

Many people flock to the Louvre, the principal museum of Paris (France), to gaze at the Mona Lisa and often find themselves pondering: in which country was Leonardo da Vinci born? Was Leonardo da Vinci French or Italian?

Leonardo da Vinci was born in Italy.

In fact, at the time of Leonardo da Vinci’s birth, Italy wasn’t a country as we know it today. Italy only became a nation-state in 1861.

But back to Leonardo da Vinci.

Leonardo da Vinci was born in a small Tuscan village that today is named Vinci, located roughly 25 miles (40 km) from Florence and about 37 miles (60 km) from Pisa.

Those interested in delving deeper into the life of this Renaissance genius have the opportunity to visit the charming town of Vinci. There, they’ll find a museum dedicated to Leonardo, a children’s workshop, Leonardo’s house, and even the church where Leonardo was baptized.

Tour to Vinci from Florence

You can take a tour to Vinci from Florence with a professional English-speaking driver. A professional driver will pick you up directly at your hotel or apartment in Florence and take you on a visit to Vinci, possibly with a stop for wine tasting. Please note that the cost of wine tastings is typically not included in the tour; the charge covers only the driver service.

Another option is to rent a car to visit Vinci on your own.

Good to know: Vinci does not have a railway station. The nearest station is in Empoli, from where you’ll need to take a bus to Vinci (line 49). This option is not exactly convenient or comfortable for a day tour.

What to visit in Vinci

In the quaint town of Vinci, you’ll find a handful of significant historical sites to explore. Start your journey at the Museo Leonardiano de Vinci, where exhibits spread across the Palazzina Uzielli and the distinguished Conti Guidi Castle illustrate Leonardo da Vinci’s life and work.

Additionally, the Chiesa di Santa Croce, where Leonardo da Vinci was baptized, is worth a visit.

Finally, complete your tour of Vinci by visiting the Casa Natale di Leonardo da Vinci in Anchiano, the artist’s birthplace.

Despite its small size, Vinci offers these key landmarks that provide a rich insight into Leonardo’s life and legacy.

1 – Palazzina Uzielli: The Gateway to Leonardo Museum’s Marvels

Step into the world of Leonardo da Vinci as your journey begins at Palazzina Uzielli, named after Gustavo Uzielli, a renowned scholar of Leonardo da Vinci in the late 19th century.

This historic building, originally dating from that period, underwent renovations when it came under the ownership of the Vinci administration. In 1997, it opened its doors to the public as the esteemed Leonardo Museum.

Since 2006, Palazzina Uzielli boasts a stunning view overlooking the picturesque Piazza dei Guidi, adorned by the artistic vision of Mimmo Paladino. This grand entrance sets the stage for your immersive exploration of the Leonardo museum itinerary.

Selected as the new entry point for the Leonardo Museum as part of an expansion project in 2004, Palazzina Uzielli now houses captivating sections dedicated to building-site machinery, textile manufacturing technology, mechanical clocks, and anatomy. These exhibits offer fascinating insights into Leonardo’s diverse interests and innovative mind.

In 2021, the latest exhibition further enhanced the venue with immersive sections such as ‘Leonardo’s mechanics’ and ‘The anatomy of machines,’ showcasing the power of new digital technologies to communicate and evoke a profound connection with Leonardo’s creations.

Palazzina Uzielli also accommodates spaces for temporary exhibitions, allowing for the dynamic presentation of diverse artistic endeavors. Additionally, a spacious room is dedicated to educational workshops, providing visitors with engaging and hands-on experiences offered by the Museum.

Prepare to be captivated as Palazzina Uzielli serves as the perfect gateway to the wonders and discoveries that await you at the Leonardo Museum.

2 – The Conti Guidi Castle

The Conti Guidi Castle, a striking medieval structure also known as the “ship castle” due to its extended form and tower resembling a sailboat, has presided over Vinci since the 12th century.

Initially under the rule of the Guidi Counts, it fell under Florentine control in 1254 and was privately owned until it was gifted to the Vinci municipality by Count Giulio Masetti Dainelli da Bagnano in 1919, marking the 400th anniversary of Leonardo’s passing.

Since April 15, 1953, the castle has housed the Leonardo Museum. It currently hosts the second portion of the exhibition: the ground floor displays sections on civil engineering, war machines, mechanisms, tools, and flight.

The first floor exhibits Leonardo’s projects on hydraulics and river navigation. Visitors will also find a faithful reproduction of Leonardo’s drawing, “Landscape,” in the room dedicated to it.

An immersive room shows the video “His Name Was Lionardo,” shedding light on the genius’s early years and connection with Vinci. The tour concludes in the Sala del Podestà with the multimedia display “Anatomy of Drawings,” which provides insight into some of Leonardo’s most significant sketches.

Finally, visitors have the chance to ascend to the castle tower’s panoramic terrace. Here, they can marvel at the stunning view of the Montalbano hills and the Lower Valdarno.

3 – Chiesa di Santa Croce

The Chiesa di Santa Croce in Vinci is a historical church that dates back to the 13th century.

Although it has seen several restorations and no longer retains its original structure, it presents a noteworthy neorenaissance appearance from the renovations in the early 20th century.

Inside, the church houses three naves, two dedicated chapels, and an assortment of distinguished paintings.

Perhaps most significant is the Baptistry, inaugurated on Leonardo da Vinci’s 500th birth anniversary in 1952.

Here, within an octagonal room, stands the ancient baptismal font believed to be where Leonardo was baptized.

Additionally, a commemorative plaque signifies Leonardo’s birthplace, and the room is adorned with recently added sculptures by Cecco Bonanotte.

The final touches to the baptistry will be a decoration of the chapel vault, reflecting the vision of the Apocalypse.

Did You Know? Insights into Leonardo da Vinci’s Baptism

Leonardo da Vinci was baptized without the presence of his parents, Caterina and Piero da Vinci. Do you know why? Because Leonardo’s parents weren’t married! Leonardo was the product of an illegitimate relationship.

Leonardo’s mother, Caterina, was a humble woman.

UPDATE: Read here about the new discoveries about Leonardo da Vinci’s mother, revealing that Leonardo’s mother was a princess turned slave.

Piero da Vinci, on the other hand, was a notary. In fact, Leonardo’s baptism record was written by his grandfather, Antonio, who was also a notary. The note is found in an old book used by notaries, which reads:

“My nephew was born, son of Ser Piero my son on April 15 on Saturday at 3 in the night (according to the Gregorian calendar, it would be April 23 at 9:40 pm). He was named Leonardo. He was baptized by priest Piero di Bartolomeo da Vinci, in the presence of Papino di Nanni, Meo di Tonino, Pier di Malvolto, Nanni di Venzo, Arigo di Giovanni Tedesco, monna Lisa di Domenico di Brettone, monna Antonia di Giuliano, monna Niccolosa del Barna, monna Maria, daughter of Nanni di Venzo, monna Pippa di Previcone”

Leonardo’s father, Piero del Vacca da Vinci, married another woman, Albiera di Giovanni Amadori, in 1452 (the year of Leonardo’s birth), and had no children with her.

But why did Leonardo’s father not marry Caterina, but Albiera instead? Piero was at the start of his career as a notary and married a young woman from a high-bourgeois Tuscan family.

According to historical records, Leonardo lived in the house of his father Piero with his stepmother Albiera.

As for Leonardo’s mother, Caterina, she married another man two years later, Antonio di Piero Buti, known as “Accattabriga,” a baker who owned some lands a few kilometers from the center of Vinci. It was probably an arranged marriage by Piero’s father, who wanted to rectify his son’s unorthodox behavior by ensuring a decent marriage for the girl.

The fact that Caterina waited two years to get married can be justified considering that breastfeeding lasted on average eighteen months at that time, so it’s completely plausible that the young woman waited until the weaning period to hand the baby over to the paternal family, who from that moment on took care of raising and educating him.

Since Piero spent most of the year in Florence with Albiera, busy with his professional commitments, the task of raising the child probably fell mainly to the grandparents, and especially to monna Lucia. It is not known how much Leonardo was able to see and live with his mother, who, moreover, gave birth to five children in a short period of time and was certainly very busy taking care of her offspring.

4 – Leonardo da Vinci’s childhood home

Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace is a little further away from the center of Vinci, specifically in Anchiano.

After a pause for lunch in the center of Vinci or perhaps a picnic in the surroundings, it’s possible to take a walk on a dirt trail amongst olive trees to reach the house where Leonardo da Vinci was born and spent his early childhood years.

The walk is approximately 1.5km (0.9 miles) each way (3 km or 1.8 miles round trip) with uphill sections, but the view is quite beautiful.

A plaque honors Leonardo da Vinci:

Opening Hours

SUMMER TIMETABLE (April 1 to November 1):

MUSEO LEONARDIANO:

Daily: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm (ticket office closes at 6:15 pm)
Panoramic terrace of the Castle of Conti Guidi: Daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm (last entrance at 6:30 pm)
Please note that the terrace will be closed in case of bad weather.

LEONARDO’S BIRTHPLACE IN ANCHIANO:

Daily: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm (ticket office closes at 6:30 pm)

WINTER TIMETABLE (November 2 to March 31):

LEONARDO MUSEUM:

Weekdays: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm (ticket office closes at 3:45 pm)
Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (ticket office closes at 5:15 pm)
CLOSED ON TUESDAYS from November 2 to February 28*
The panoramic terrace of the Castle of Conti Guidi is closed.

LEONARDO’S BIRTHPLACE IN ANCHIANO:

Weekdays: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm (ticket office closes at 4:00 pm)
Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (ticket office closes at 4:30 pm)
CLOSED ON TUESDAYS from November 2 to February 28*

*Please note that the weekly closure on Tuesdays does not apply to the month of March.

Ticket Information

TICKET OFFICE: Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 26 – 50059 Vinci (FI) Tel: 0571 933251

Notice: From January 9th, the “Leonardo and Painting” section at Villa del Ferrale will be closed until further notice for refurbishment works. Reduced rates will apply during this time.

Combined Ticket: The ticket includes access to the Leonardo Museum and Leonardo’s birthplace.

Full Price: € 11.00
Reduced Price: € 8.00 (Groups over 15 people, Children aged between 6 and 18 years old, Adults over 67 years old
University students up to the age of 25 with ID card, Disabled people, National Civil Service Volunteers)

Free Entrance: Children under 6 years old, Accredited journalists with a membership card registered at the Museum Offices, Escort of a disabled visitor, Disabled people on group visits organized by communities or care associations)

Rates for Families:

2 adults + 1 child (6-18 years old): € 26.00
2 adults + 2 children (6-18 years old): € 34.00
2 adults + 3 or more children (6-18 years old): € 42.00
1 adult + 1 child (6-18 years old): € 17.00
1 adult + 2 children (6-18 years old): € 23.00
1 adult + 3 or more children (6-18 years old): € 31.00

---

As you conclude your exploration of Vinci, the enchanting birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, you cannot help but be awe-inspired by the legacy of this visionary genius.

From the captivating exhibitions at the Leonardo Museum to the serene ambiance of Leonardo’s birth home in Anchiano, Vinci offers an immersive experience that transports you back in time to the era of the Renaissance.

As you leave Vinci, you carry with you a deeper appreciation for Leonardo da Vinci’s unparalleled contributions to art, science, and humanity.

Vinci, a town etched in history, serves as a testament to the enduring impact of one extraordinary individual whose brilliance continues to inspire and captivate us today.