Vinci
Better known as the birthplace of Leonardo
da Vinci, romantic Vinci holds the same
magic as the rest of Tuscany. It takes just
half an hour’s drive from Florence
through the scenic SS 67 route towards Empoli
that takes you right to Vinci. Visitors
to Vinci would appreciate the town better
if they park on the outskirts and explore
this medieval village by foot. As one nears
the town, a big wooden sculpture of the
Vitruvian man welcomes you. The square overlooks
the valley below and is steep with a fabulous
panoramic view. Vinci’s mysterious
origins date back to the Etruscans.
Spectacular as the town where the famous
Leonardo da Vinci was born, the small hill
town of Vinci has not changed much for the
past 544 years. Picturesque stone houses
still cling to the strong battlements of
the castle. Built in the Middle Ages, the
castle came under the rule of the Florentines
in 1254. Located on the hilltop, the castle
stood witness as many a battle raged between
Florence and Pisa. But the enchantment and
peace of Vinci is still retained and enjoyed
by the 14,000 people living there today.
The borough of Vinci is situated in the
heart of Tuscany a few kilometres from Florence,
close to Pisa, and an hour's drive from
Lucca and Siena.
As an important landmark in Vinci, the
tall church bell tower can still be seen
for miles. Surrounded by fertile farmland,
the hillsides around Vince are lush with
vineyards and olive groves that grow around
in the lovely landscapes. Leonardo da Vinci’s
presence can be felt everywhere adding to
the mysterious charm of Vinci. The slopes
that are seen above Vinci rise to the Mount
Albano where Leonardo da Vinci loved to
walk. Scenic and beautiful, silvery streaks
of small mountain streams run down from
the mountain past Vinci to the valley of
the Arno River below. Inspired by what he
saw around him, Leonardo’s enchanted
childhood led him to explore and study the
woods, natural life and streams of Vinci
which he depicted in his sketches. Later
as he grew, Leonardo reflected these scenes
in his detailed life-like paintings of plants
and wildflowers at the feet of the angel
in The Annunciation and the rocky caves
and pools of water surrounding the figures
in The Virgin of the Rocks.
Another feature that has endeared Vinci
as an immortal town is its curious castle
that is known as “The Ship’s
Castle” because of its unusual shape.
This castle houses the fascinating Il Museo
Leonardiano Di Vinci. Displaying Leonardo’s
mechanical, scientific and engineering inventions,
the museum showcases Leonardo’s work
through models constructed according to
the original dimensions. The museum evolves
over two floors and has computers which
enable the visitors to view video presentations,
play interactive games and acquire more
information. The important feature of the
models is that it displays the transition
of Leonardo’s sketches into reality
that cover a range of domed buildings, cars
and planes to underwater suits. There is
also a library that has a complete collection
of his observations and ideas.
The castle opens its ancient path to view
the lovely medieval town of Vinci. Quite
close to the museum, the church of Santa
Croce echoes with the whisper of legends
that the great Leonardo da Vinci was baptized
in its hallowed premises. Though this lovely
little church has been renovated several
times it still retains its medieval charm.
Vinci’s winding streets, alleyways
and stairways are fascinating with a wonderful
discovery round every corner. Vinci’s
repertoire of restaurants and shops are
not wide and varied but small and wonderful.
Vinci’s cuisine and crafts are a delight
to experience as well as its great extra
virgin olive oil and the Chianti Putto Montalbano,
the local wine of Vinci.
Just a few kilometers away, the main town
of Anciamo stands where Leonardo was born.
Timeless and unique, Vinci opens paths to
visit and be inspired by the town of Montelupo
Fiorenti that is close by and famous for
its ceramic. The Frescobaldi Tower houses
the Glass Museum in Montelupo. The ceramic
studio of the famous artisan, Fratelli Taccini
can be found in Sovigliana di Vinci that
displays the talented heritage of the Taccini
family. The ‘Il Cristo Croce Fisso’
was made of clay and wrought iron in 1995
by Taccini. Vinci holds the essence of romance
and fascination that has brought countless
visitors to its lovely village to linger
and absorb the magic of mystery.
- Lastra a Signa
- Artimino
- Montelupo
- Malmantile
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