Where do Leonardo da Vinci Sketches Come From?

The heart of Tuscany, draped in golden hues and rhythmic hills, is the birthplace of Leonardo’s imagination. Vinci, located along a scenic ridge between the Pistoia plains and the lower Valdarno, is a vision of quintessential Tuscan beauty. Surrounded by terraced vineyards and olive groves, the area breathes tranquility and inspiration. The name “Vinci” derives from the vinco or vincastro . That would mean the pliable branches of the red-hued willow trees once used to tie vines post-pruning.

From above, Vinci resembles a grand ship with two towering masts: the Castle of the Counts Guidi, erected around 1000 AD, and the Church of Santa Croce, mentioned in documents from the 12th century. This picturesque silhouette earned it the nickname “Ship Castle.” In 1872, historian Gustavo Uzielli described Vinci as “a bundle of houses between two towers,” a charming mix of ancient character and rustic charm. Through the centuries, the town passed through various hands before becoming a commune in 1372. Moreover, thanks to its medieval stronghold, the Guidi Castle, now hosts the most authentic tribute to Leonardo.

Discovering Leonardo’s Origins: First Stop Anchiano

Our Discovering Leonardo’s Origins Tour starts just a short drive from Vinci, nestled amidst lush landscapes in Anchiano.

This is the original birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci. This rustic estate, where Leonardo was born on April 15, 1452, stands as a testament to his humble beginnings. Donated to Vinci in 1952 by Count Giovanni Rasini, the house has since been transformed into a museum that celebrates Leonardo’s early life.

An highlight of the experience is “Leonardo da Vinci: A Genius is Told”. We’re talking about an immersive audiovisual narration featuring a life-sized hologram of the artist, reflecting on his journey and connection with the Montalbano countryside. Interactive installations like “Leonardo Touch” invite visitors to explore his works in depth, tracing themes in his drawings and paintings.

“Leonardo in Vinci: A Genius is Told” Path in Vinci

Thereafter the story continues with exhibits like “Leonardo’s Last Journey,” featuring a model gifted by the Italian Embassy in Paris. This show is retracing the master’s 1516 voyage to Clos Lucé in Amboise. Another standout is the digital recreation of the Battle of Anghiari, the unfinished masterpiece intended for the Hall of the Five Hundred in Florence.

From Anchiano, one can take the Green Route (Strada Verde), a 2 km trail that winds through olive groves and vineyards to the heart of Vinci. This picturesque path echoes with Leonardo’s footsteps and offers a serene, sensory-rich experience. It follows the historical Botanical Road once trodden by Garibaldi in 1867. This road includes detours like the 15th-century fishpond, featured in Leonardo’s Codex Atlanticus.

Leonardo da Vinci Sketches Brought to Life

Returning to Vinci, the journey transforms as the town reveals its many artistic and architectural tributes to Leonardo’s vision. Every cobbled alley and panoramic terrace seems to whisper stories of innovation and genius.

Il Cavallo di Leonardo by Nina Akamu

In Piazza della Libertà, you’ll find a remarkable bronze statue inspired by Leonardo’s colossal horse designed for Duke Francesco Sforza. Initially envisioned to stand over 7 meters tall and require 100 tons of bronze, the sculpture was never completed due to war. Thanks to Charles Dent and sculptor Nina Akamu, a smaller version of this majestic horse was gifted to Vinci in 2001, standing proudly as a testament to dreams deferred but not forgotten.

L’Uomo di Vinci by Mario Ceroli

In Piazza Guido Masi, also known as “Castle Square,” stands Ceroli’s wooden interpretation of the Vitruvian Man. Here, Leonardo’s ideals of perfect proportion take a modern twist. Instead of geometric harmony, the sculpture intentionally deviates, reflecting contemporary dissonance in contrast with Renaissance equilibrium.

Leonardo Do Me

This dome-shaped installation by Antonio Cinelli and Mattia Desideri houses three works by Vinci-born artists. From Claudio Cinelli’s Ideae Volant, inspired by Leonardo’s flight studies, to Alberto Marconcini’s Khatisa, a homage to Leonardo’s mother, and Nico Paladini’s Uno Sguardo al Cielo, echoing Vinci’s skyline — this immersive experience offers an emotional, modern-day reverie of the master’s genius.

Una Piazza per Leonardo by Mimmo Paladino

Piazza dei Guidi, redesigned in 2006, is a conceptual masterpiece by Mimmo Paladino. Composed of silver blades, cardoso stone, and glass tesserae, its abstract forms recall Leonardo’s fascination with geometry and the Renaissance polyhedron. This striking space serves as the perfect prologue to the Leonardo Museum.

Discover the Original Leonardo da Vinci Sketches in Museo Leonardiano

Located within the Castle of the Counts Guidi, the Museo Leonardiano offers a treasure trove of models, machines, and Leonardo da Vinci sketches that bring his brilliant inventions to life.

History of Museo Leonardiano in Vinci

The idea for the museum dates back to 1919, marking the 400th anniversary of Leonardo’s death. After careful restoration between 1939 and 1942, the museum was officially inaugurated in 1953. Thanks to a generous donation from IBM, an entire collection of reconstructed models based on Leonardo’s designs found their home here.

Leonardo da Vinci Sketches: the Original Ones

Here, visitors immerse themselves in the analytical world of Leonardo through digital displays and thematic arrangements of his drawings. Sound elements breathe life into his graphic work, transforming abstract mechanical concepts into dynamic experiences.

Leonardo da Vinci Sketches of Cart

Leonardo revolutionized the design of everyday carts by introducing anti-friction bearings in the wheel axles. As a result, his innovations reduced traction effort and extended operational life. He even envisioned a self-propelled cart powered by lantern gears and cranks. That could be read as an early concept of automation, aimed at theatrical effects.

Agricultural Machinery? Here There Are Leonardo da Vinci Sketches

Leonardo tackled challenges in terrain transformation and water management. Indeed his studies included devices like the odometer for measuring distances and machines such as the pile driver and massive earthmovers. These projects echo his hydraulic engineering pursuits and his desire to reshape the environment for human benefit.

Tools and Mechanism Projects

His sketches unveil the harmony of gears, pulleys, spindles, and springs, assembled to perform complex tasks. From load-lifting pulleys to friction-reducing devices, Leonardo’s relentless exploration of motion and force continues to inspire engineers to this day.

The Grand Final of Discovering Leonardo’s Origins Tour

After soaking up the wonders of Vinci, the tour gently winds down with a peaceful stroll through its winding lanes, culminating in a visit to the Church of Santa Croce where Leonardo was baptized. This quiet moment connects visitors directly with the very essence of the Renaissance.

On the way back, a delightful aperitif awaits amidst the vineyards. Here, local flavors mingle with sunset views in a celebration of Tuscan life. Surrounded by the landscapes that once inspired the genius of Vinci, guests enjoy wines, cheeses, and charcuterie, immersing all senses in Leonardo’s world.

Then, comfortably seated, you’ll return to Montecatini with a heart full of stories, wonder, and inspiration.

Ready to step into Leonardo’s world? Book your unforgettable experience with Tuscany Daily Tours today and let Vinci unveil the secrets of a true genius.