Vinci is the birthplace of one of the greatest inventors of all time: Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519). It is a small medieval town of about 15,000 inhabitants, situated on the hills of Montalbano in the province of Tuscany. Among other things, you will find a museum about Leonardo’s inventions, the church where he was baptised and his birthplace. Are you planning a visit to Vinci? In this travel guide you will find the perfect preparation for this trip!
What would you like to know about Vinci?
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Practical information
Best travel time? From April to October. During these months, the temperature is most pleasant, although it can get above 30 degrees in July and August. If you depend on school holidays, then there’s no other way. Otherwise, plan a visit for Vinci and Tuscany in April to June or September/October.
How many days? Vinci is just a small town north of the city of Empoli. Basically, it is a great base for city trips to Florence, Pisa, Lucca or Siena, among others. But you will have discovered the town itself within 1 day. It is really only dedicated to the life of Leonardo.
A Really Short History of Vinci
Vinci is a medieval city located on the hills of Montalbano. Its main attractions have to do with the one genius born on 15 April 1452: Leonardo da Vinci. His birthplace can be found about 2 kilometres north of the town, in Anchiano. And in the centre of Vinci, you can also visit the church where he was baptised: Chiesa Madre di Santa Croce. It dates back to the 13th century.
Many of Vinci’s buildings date back to the Middle Ages. The most famous building is Castello Dei Conti Guidi. It was built in the 12th century and is also called ‘Castle of the Ship’ because it is in the shape of a boat. It has been home to the Museo Leonardiano since 1953. From the tower you have great views of medieval Vinci!
Top 5 Sights in Vinci
Wondering what you can discover in Vinci, Tuscany? Here are the main attractions.
1. Museo Leonardiano
Located in the centre of Vinci, you will find this museum. It consists of two parts: in Palazina Uzielli you will find explanations of his life and some inventions and in Castle of the Guidi Counts you will find more drawings and inventions from his rich repertoire. From the Castle of the Guidi Counts, you have a great view over the city and the hills of Tuscany. Definitely worth a climb!
Tip! Visiting this museum? Planning to visit this museum? Then read the article Museo Leonardiano – Discover Da Vinci’s inventions
2. Chiesa Madre di Santa Croce
Next to the Castle of the Guidi Counts stands Vinci’s most important church: the Chiesa Madre di Santa Croce. Although the building has been restored several times, it originally dates from the 13th century. The main attraction in the church is the baptismal font. It was here where little Leonardo is said to have been sprinkled with water on 16 April 1452, making him free of sins.
Tip! Curious about Leonardo da Vinci’s baptismal church? You can read more about it in the article Chiesa Madre di Santa Croce, Vinci – The Baptism of Leonardo
3. Leonardo e la pittura
About 100 metres south of Museo Leonardiano you will find this gallery. Here you can look at reproductions of paintings made by Leonardo da Vinci during his lifetime. Best known are the Mona Lisa (1503-1506, Louvre in Paris) and the Last Supper (1495-1498, Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan). In Leonardo e la pittura you will find more explanations about these paintings, among others.
4. Itinerario Strada Verde
Fancy a pleasant walk? Then do the Strade Verde. This approximately 40-minute walk goes north through the city centre and ends at Casa Natale die Leonardo da Vinci: his birthplace. Along the way, you’ll come across a few more fun references to Leonardo, including a garden. But above all, enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Tuscany. The route is about 3 kilometres long and easy to walk.
Tip? In the article Strada Verde – Walk the Road to Leonardo’s Birthplace you will discover all about this route!
5. Casa Natale di Leonardo da Vinci
Do you have a car? Then you should first visit Leonardo’s birthplace in Anchiano. Surrounded by a beautiful green landscape, the little genius was born here on 15 April 1452. Inside the house, you can watch a video about his life, among other things, and find some reproductions of his drawings. The museum is small, but definitely a must-see.
Tip! Would you like to visit the birthplace? Read more about it in the article Casa Natale di Leonardo da Vinci – Birthplace of a Genius!
Accommodation – Where to stay?
Vinci is centrally located in Tuscany between the cities of Pisa, Florence and Siena. Those looking for a quiet spot can certainly find it here in the Vinci area. The town itself has about 15,000 inhabitants and you will find some nice hotels and guesthouses. Near Museum Leonardiano you will find a number of restaurants and cafés where you can have a nice lunch or dinner.
Looking for nice accommodation in Vinci and its surroundings? Then Book your Hotel or Guesthouse here via Booking
Transport – How to get there?
Do you have a car? Then getting to Vinci is easy. Park south of the Leonardiano Museum. I myself visited Vinci using public transport. The only way to get there is by bus from Empoli. Just outside the train station you’ll find a ticket counter where you can buy bus tickets for about 3 euros one way. The ride takes about 30 minutes.
Plan your trip to Vinci & Italy
Accommodation?
Vinci and surroundings is a great base for a long stay in Tuscany
Book your Hotel or Guesthouse here
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 through Museo Leonardiano’s website here
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.
Book your Bus or Train Tickets via TrainLine
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