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Welcome to Vinci
Birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci
Contributed by
Katherine Lavallee
Deep in the Tuscan countryside
lays the remote gem of Vinci.
These small Tuscan towns seem
shrouded in mystery and romance
rising from the valleys. Vinci
is no exception.
This hilltop village offers it
all-a castle, a great museum,
narrow twisting alleyways and
all the ambiance in the world.
It is also the birthplace of
the master Leonardo da Vinci.
After visiting Vinci you
understand what inspired him.
Park on the outskirts of town
and explore on foot. The first
glimpse of Leonardo, a large
wooden sculpture of the
Vitruvian man welcomes you to
town. The square, overlooking
the steep valley below, provides
a spectacular view. Vinci’s
origins go all the back to the
Etruscans.
The castle, originally built in
the Middle Ages, fell to
Florence in 1254 and Vinci
became a borough of the
superpower. It was the site of
many battles between Florence
and their enemies to the west
such as Pisa. Today Vinci looks
almost the same as it did in the
days of the Medici, but the
14,000 people living in Vinci
and its surrounding hills enjoy
a peaceful life.
The castle, known as “The Ship’s
Castle” because of its shape,
houses the fantastic museum
Il Museo Leonardiano Da Vinci.
This truly unique museum focuses
on Leonardo’s mechanical,
scientific and engineering
inventions. The exhibits
display Leonardo’s work through
models constructed according to
the original dimensions.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by
art in Tuscany and this museum
is like a breath of fresh air.
The pieces, displayed over two
floors, are explained in a
variety of languages including
English. Computers in every
room give visitors a chance to
view short video presentations,
play interactive games or just
read more information.
The models cover everything from
constructing a domed building,
to cars and planes, to
underwater suits. Perhaps one of
the most interesting features of
this museum is Leonardo’s own
notes and drawings are displayed
showing his ideas from paper to
reality. For those who can’t
get enough of the details of
Leonardo’s work, across the
street is the Leonardo Library
which houses a complete
collection of his notes and
essays. These museums allow
visitors to glimpse the depth of
Di Vinci’s genius.
The castle is the gateway to
this great little village. Near
the museum stands the church of
Santa Croce. It is here local
legend has it that Leonardo was
baptized. The Romanesque church
modified several times over the
years still retains its old
world charm. As with many
Tuscan towns, simply exploring
the tiny streets, stairways and
alleyways is an attraction in
and of itself.
It seems as if something
wonderful is around every
corner. Along Vinci’s main
street a few small but
delightful restaurants and gift
shops offer all kinds of unique
gifts and treats. Visitors
should try some of Vinci’s
excellent extra virgin olive oil
or the Chianti Putto Montalbano,
the local wine.
A few kilometers away from the
main town is Anchiamo.
Leonardo’s birth took place here
and he spent his childhood
playing in these hills. The
museum preserved the house to
reflect what Leonardo would have
seen. It is so easy to get lost
in your imagination in this
scenery of hills covered with
olive groves and vineyards.
Inside there is information
about Tuscany during the time of
his life, as well as a map of
the Arno Valley that Leonardo
traced himself.
Comparing Leonardo’s drawings
with the present scene gives a
glimpse into Leonardo’s
inspiration. One of the best
things about Tuscany and Vinci
in particular is the timeless
feel of the land and culture.
The sights in Vinci only take a
few hours to see, but the desire
to linger here and soak in all
it has to offer is almost
inescapable. Close to most of
the larger Tuscan towns such as
Florence, Pisa and Lucca it is
easily reached by car or train.
Vinci is one town that should
not be missed.
http://www.italianvisits.com/tuscany/vinci/index.htm
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