Vinci’s most famous church is the Chiesa Madre di Santa Croce. It is located in the old city center and is known for being the place where little Leonardo da Vinci was baptized. This happened on April 16, 1452, one day after his birth. While visiting medieval Vinci, you can also take a look at the Chiesa Madre di Santa Croce. In this article I tell you more about it.
What would you like to know about Chiesa Madre di Santa Croce?
Brief history of the church
Actually, we don’t know very much about the history of the Chiesa Madre di Santa Croce, loosely translated as the Church of the Holy Cross. It was built in the 13th century as part of the castle. In the passage of time, it would have been restored several times. In 1855, it received a bell tower. And its current appearance dates from 1925-1935, when the church underwent a major restoration. But more history can be found inside the church, with main attraction being Leonardo’s baptismal font.
The Baptism of Leonardo
When you walk into the church, immediately to the right you see a small room containing a baptismal font. According to historians, the baptismal font would have looked like the one where little Leonardo da Vinci was sprinkled with water on April 16, 1452. It was the priest Piero di Bartolomeo Cecchi who had the honor of baptizing the little genius. In 1952 it was given this place in the church, 500 years after Leonardo da Vinci’s birth (and baptism!).
On the wall hangs a memorandum, found in the Florence archives, from Leonardo’s grandfather:
“A grandson was born to me, the son of my son ser Piero, on Saturday, April 15, at the third hour
of the night. He was given the name Lionardo. The priest Piero di Bartolomeo da Vinci baptized him […]”.
What to see in the church?
In addition to the baptismal font, you will find a number of interesting works of art in the Church of the Holy Cross. These include the Nativity of Mary by Francesco Brina (1540-1586), the Virgin of the Rosary by Matteo Rosselli (1578-1650) and a work attributed to Gaetano Piattoli (1703-1774): the Miracle of San Biagio.
Visiting Chiesa Madre?
A visit to Leonardo da Vinci’s Baptistery is free and well worthwhile. Set aside about 20 minutes for a short viewing of Chiesa Madre di Santa Croce. The church is open every day. I myself started the day with a visit to this church.
Plan your trip to Vinci & Italy
Accommodation?
Vinci and surroundings is a great base for a long stay in Tuscany
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Tickets & Tours?
Highlights of a visit include the Museum Leonardiano and Leonardo’s birthplace. With one admission ticket, you can visit these two sights, among others.
Order your tickets online here for the Museo Leonardiano and his birthplace.
Flight tickets to Italy?
To Tuscany, it the best option is to fly to Florence or Pisa. Other options are Milan and Rome and then take the train to Florence
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Rental car Tuscany?
The best way to explore Tuscany is by car!
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Public transport?
Are you going to explore Tuscany by public transport? By train you can easily get to cities such as Florence, Lucca, Pisa or Siena.
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Do you have any comments or tips about this article on the Chiesa Madre di Santa Croce in Vinci? If so, feel free to leave a message below.
Read more about Vinci?
Casa Natale di Leonardo da Vinci – Explore the Birthplace of a Genius
Museo Leonardiano – Discover Da Vinci’s inventions
Strada Verde – Walk the Road to Leonardo’s Birthplace
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