Always wanted to follow in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci? You can, if you visit the town of Vinci in Tuscany! Because there you will find the Strada Verde. This is a 1.8 kilometer hike from the center of Vinci to Leonardo’s birthplace. It is a beautiful walk through Tuscany with wonderful views of the beautiful surroundings. In this article I will tell you all about it!
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Practical information
The Strada Verde is an easy walk to Leonardo da Vinci’s house. From the center, it takes about 40 minutes at a normal pace. The route is only 1.8 kilometers long and along the way you will encounter a number of sights and enjoy the beautiful views. Best period for this walk is in spring or autumn. However, with 35 degrees it also works out, by the way, so don’t panic! The map above shows the route from No. 1 to 5.
Bron: My Google Maps
The Sights of the Strada Verde
Basically, the best way to explore Vinci is to start at the birthplace in Anchiano (No. 5). You can park the car there and then walk to the center. However, you can also just start in the center of Vinci and then lastly his birthplace. Below is a brief explanation of the sights of the Strada Verde.
1. Downtown Vinci
Start the day by exploring the medieval center of Vinci. Museo Leonardiano is a must visit to learn more about the inventor Leonardo. Among other things, visit the church where he was baptized, Chiesa Madre di Santa Croce and go to Leonardo e la pittura. At the latter you will find more information and some reproductions about the paintings he created.
2. Official start of the Strada Verde
Walk 500 meters toward the north of downtown Vinci. There officially begins the Strada Verde, or green road. It is a beautiful walk through green Tuscany. Among other things, you will walk past olive trees and you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings. But above all it is a historical route, where you will also follow in the footsteps of perhaps the greatest inventor of all time. By the way, the route is very well signposted.
3. Parco Aquaria
Soon you arrive at this artistic park that is, of course, dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci. From here you will have a wonderful view of Vinci, its birth church and the Museo Leonardiano. But also of the beautiful surroundings of Tuscany! Parco Aquaria is free to visit so be sure to take a stroll through it.
4. Pescaia del Mulino della Doccia
For this place you have to take a short turn. It will take you to the Mulino della Doccia. This place Leonardo da Vinci described in his collection Codex Atlanticus. That is a collection of 1,200 manuscripts on a variety of subjects: from the art of flight to weapon systems. On this spot there used to be a mill whose hydraulic mechanism Leonardo had drawn. Nothing remains of the mill. Nevertheless, you can still find remnants of the Mulino della Doccia here.
5. Casa Natale di Leonardo da Vinci
Finally, you arrive at the birthplace of Leonardo in Anchiano. Right along the road is a farmhouse where he was born on April 15, 1452. In the museum you can watch a film about his life in Anchiano and find some reproductions of his drawings. The farm was owned by the family for more than 150 years.
Seen everything at the Casa Natale die Leonardo da Vinci? Then walk the same 1.8-kilometer route back and you’ll be back in the center of Vinci!
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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