Vinci

Tucked away in the heart of the Tuscan hills lies Vinci, a charming village whose origins date back to 800 BC. Located on the slopes of the fascinating Montalbano, a hilly massif best known for its vineyards and olive groves, Vinci is a unique and well-preserved medieval village that competes among the most sought-after destinations of Italian and international tourism. Not only for the beauty of its landscape and the historical importance of its heritage, but also and especially for being the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest geniuses in human history.

The town of Vinci, located in the heart of Tuscany, in the province of Florence, is part of the Empolese Valdelsa and Montalbano region. This territory corresponds to the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, one of the most fruitful phases in the entire history of world art and culture. Its peculiar almond-shaped structure makes it unique in the Region of Tuscany. The planted view seems to replicate a boat with two masts, represented by the tower of the Rocca dei Conti Guidi and the bell tower of the Church of Santa Croce. This peculiarity has given the historic center of Vinci the name "Castel della Nave."

Vinci, the Cradle of Leonardo
Even today, despite the passage of centuries, Vinci remains proudly linked to the figure of Leonardo, keeping his memory alive not only in the place names of the streets and squares, but also with museum activities and historical-scientific research carried out in the Museo Leonardiano and the Biblioteca Leonardiana, centers of primary importance worldwide for the study and in-depth study of the figure of Leonardo. Together, the facilities form a true ecomuseum that enhances the entire surrounding area, in an ideal itinerary of the stages that marked the life, studies and travels of Leonardo "the Tuscan."

In short, Vinci is a town that knows how to offer a thousand other attractions: from wonderful landscapes characterized by vineyards and olive groves, to dips into the past by looking at the Rocca dei Conti Guidi or the Church of Santa Croce, where, according to tradition, Leonardo was baptized, without forgetting the opportunity to taste typical local products such as extra virgin olive oil and traditional Tuscan dishes in the many trattorias in the historic center.

Just three kilometers from the town center, it is possible to visit Leonardo's birthplace, which can also be reached on foot along the Strada Verde. This trail passes through the region's picturesque vineyards and olive groves, offering an engaging journey back in time.

Local Celebrations
Vinci preserves its roots through historical reenactments and celebrations. On the last Wednesday in July, a costume procession recalls the story of Captain Cecchi Santi, a local soldier. In addition, the Unicorn Festival parade on the last weekend of July transforms the town into an imaginative medieval kingdom.

In short, whether you are a lover of art history or your passion is nature or food and wine, the town of Vinci will amaze and fascinate you. And, as happened to Leonardo more than five hundred years ago, you too will carry a little piece of this wonderful Tuscan land in your heart.

BY CAR

• From North and South: Take the A1 highway, exit towards Firenze Scandicci and take the Firenze-Pisa-Livorno highway towards Pisa / Livorno, exit at Empoli Ovest and follow the signs for Fucecchio - Vinci.

ON THE TRAIN

• Empoli railway station

BY PLANE

• Florence airport

Perched during the centuries around the castle founded by the Guidi Counts around the year 1000, the village almond-shaped is a special place where everything speaks of Leonardo. On the figure and the works of the great inventor focus most of the attractions of this city, however not less equipped with other beautiful landscapes and monuments. Olive groves and vineyards spread their delights everywhere in the fertile countryside surroundings, while sumptuous villas lie behind the thick curtains of cypresses and pines.
The visitor who comes in the country will not neglect the Museum and the Biblioteca Leonardiana, hosted in the fortress of the Guidi Counts. The Museum, one of the most important and most visited in Tuscany, preserves a wide and prestigious collection of models of inventions of the great genius: here is an apparatus for projections, a helicopter, a parachute, hydraulic machines and military… dozens of models of tools from the most varied uses, presented with precise references to the drawings and the handwritten annotations of the artist.
Walking through the alleys and trails plunges us, then, in the green countryside in where Leonardo wandered in contemplation, while his tireless mind sought inspiration for ever new and curious applications. You will finally reach, along the ancient "strada verde", to the fraction of Anchiano, where you can visit the birthplace of the great man of Vinci.

Discover the other villages on the guide Tuscany - Unique Villages to Love

Vinci offers lovers of traditional Tuscan cuisine delicious dishes such as pappa col pomodoro, farro soup, and farinata di cavolo nero. Thanks to the production of PGI Tuscan extra virgin olive oil, the village also stands out for its oils with unmistakable, slightly spicy flavor.