What to do in Vinci, the village of Leonardo
Vinci, a small and charming village in the Florentine hills is, is famous around the world as the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci. Here, the presence of the Renaissance genius remains pervasive, celebrated enthusiastically by the denizens of this quaint ancient Tuscan settlement. It is unsurprising that the following list heavily features the town’s favorite son, but it is not monopolised by him.
What to do in Vinci
The Leonardo Museum
Housed in the ancient Conti Guidi castle and in the Uzielli Palazzina, the museum displays a variety of machines built to Leonardo’s avant-garde designs. Changing temporary exhibitions are also staged, and workshops for children are held regularly. Visit the museum’s website for further information.
The village is also home to the Museo Ideale Leonardo da Vinci. Don’t be caught out by the museums’ similar names; this second one is less interesting.
To learn more about the Renaissance genius, read also:
- Fun facts about Leonardo da Vinci
- Best books about Leonardo da Vinci
- Leonardo’s flying machines and Zoroaster from Peretola
- The first painting that Leonardo made
The birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci
In Anchiano, a few kilometers from the village of Vinci, you can visit the house in which the Renaissance‘s foremost polymath was born. The illegitimate son of the noble Piero da Vinci and a lower-class young woman, Catherine, Leonardo was baptized in the nearby parish church of Santa Croce. The house has recently been restored. Entrance is included with tickets for the Leonardo. More information regarding timetables is found here.
Not just Leonardo
What to do in Vinci? While Leonardo is undoubtedly Vinci’s premier attraction, the charm of this ancient hilltop hamlet is itself worthy of your time, with its well-maintained medieval aesthetic reaching its pinnacle in the dominating Conti Guardi castle.
The surrounding countryside – verdurous and typically Tuscan – provides provides additional delight through its produce (just consider Chianti Montespertoli and Chianti Colli Fiorentini wines), which can be sampled alongside traditional local cuisine in Vinci‘s restaurants and nearby farmhouses.
Events and festivals
Every July 31st, Vinci stages an evocative historical recreation of The Flight of Cecco Santi. Cecco Santi was a captain of the army of Vinci who fell in love with a girl from Cerreto Guidi, his neighbor and rival village. For the sake of love, Cecco Santi betrayed his city. The population of Vinci condemned him to be thrown off the tower of Conti Guidi castle with the promise that, should he survive this surely fatal punishment, he would be granted grace.
As his final wish, Cecco Santi requested a glass of good local wine. The wine, it is said, brought with it the necessary miracle. Cecco survived and the county’s harvests became increasingly bountiful. Ever since, the village has reenacted this day of blessing annually by throwing a brave inhabitant from the top of the tower (albeit now with the security of zip line).
Every year, at the end of July, Vinci’s Festa dell’Unicorno (Unicorn Festival) hosts an excited mass of elves, wizards, and fairies. One of the largest and most enthusiastic fantasy festivals, the Unicorn Festival takes inspiration from literature, cinema, and comic books. Has soon become an important date on the calendar of cosplayers throughout Italy.
I hope this article has helped you to plan your trip to Vinci. If you want to further your understanding of Leonardo don’t miss out on seeing his work with a guided tour of the Uffizi!