Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous Renaissance artists and figures in Italy, but people often don’t realize that his name comes from his birthplace, Vinci, a small town in Tuscany. Hence, his name is Leonardo de Vinci, where he was born in 1452. The town of Vinci has been awarded the Bandiera Arancione by the Italian Touring Club for its touristic qualities and atmosphere.
Leonardo’s work includes paintings, frescoes, drawings, blueprints, machines, and early technological inventions. There are several places where you can see Leonardo da Vinci works in Italy, but a good place to start might be a visit to Vinci.
Where is Vinci?
Vinci is about 35 kilometers west of Florence. If you come by car, take the FI-PI-LI (the road that runs between Florence and Pisa) and exit at Empoli east if you are coming from Florence or Empoli west if you are coming in the direction of Pisa. It is about 10 kilometers north of Empoli.
If you are traveling by train, you can take a train to Empoli (from Florence or Pisa) and then take a bus, currently line 49, to Vinci from Empoli Stazione FS to Vinci, check the schedule on the Copit bus website (in Italian ).
Leonardian Museum – Leonardo da Vinci Museum
The Museo Leonardiano, the museum of Leonardo da Vinci, is easy to find in the small historic center of Vinci. Exhibits are displayed in a new entrance hall where you will see textile-making machines and on three floors of the Castello dei Conti Guidi , a 12th-century castle. In the museum, you will see many drawings and more than 60 models, both small and large, for his inventions including military machines and traveling machines.
Visit the Leonardiano Museum website for updated hours and prices ( orari e tariffe ).
La Casa Natale di Leonardo – House where Leonardo was born
The Casa Natale di Leonardo is the small farm where Leonardo was born on April 15, 1452. It is 3 kilometers from Vinci in the town of Anchiano (follow the signs). It can also be reached by a path through olive groves.
Vinci Historic Center
Be sure to take the time to stroll through the small historic center of Vinci, where you will visit Piazza Giusti, where you will see works by Mimmo Paladino. Leonardo is believed to have been baptized in the church of Santa Croce. Around the center, there are restaurants and bars, shops, tourist information, public toilets, parking lots and a park with a picnic area. You can also visit the small Museo Ideale Leonardo da Vinci in the castle’s old cellars that have a private collection of documents and reconstructions.
Where to stay in Vinci
- Bed and Breakfast Leonardo is 900 meters from the historic center of Vinci.
- The Hotel Monna Lisa is a 3-star hotel a few steps from the city.
- Farm House Il Piastrino has rooms and apartments on its farm surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.
