January 15, 2026

What to see and where to eat in Vinci

A journey through Leonardo da Vinci's village, exploring art, history, and flavors

Visiting Vinci, in the heart of Tuscany, means immersing yourself in a timeless place, deeply connected to history and to the universal genius of Leonardo da Vinci. Located about 50 kilometres from Florence, Vinci promotes a tourism system focused on enhancing its cultural and landscape heritage, preserving important traces of the Renaissance period.

Just 3 kilometres from Vinci’s historic centre, in the hamlet of Anchiano, Leonardo da Vinci was born in April 1452—one of the greatest geniuses in history. Leonardo’s Birthplace, now a museum, can be reached via a scenic walk through the Tuscan countryside along the famous Strada Verde. Inside the traditional farmhouse, surrounded by the quiet of nature, visitors can admire reproductions of Leonardo’s drawings and a life-size hologram that recounts the most significant moments of the artist’s life.

Vinci is also synonymous with Tuscan food and wine traditions. Vineyards of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Malvasia Nera produce the prestigious Chianti Montalbano DOCG, while centuries-old olive trees yield an excellent IGP Toscano extra virgin olive oil. Enjoying a bruschetta drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, accompanied by a glass of Chianti and overlooking the landscape that inspired Leonardo, is an experience that truly captures the authentic soul of this place.

What to see in Vinci and surroundings

Castello dei Conti Guidi and the Leonardo Museum

Also known as the Castle of the Ship because of its elongated shape, the Castello dei Conti Guidi is the symbol of Vinci and one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks. Since 1953 it has housed the Leonardo Museum, one of the leading museum institutions dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci. The ground floor features sections devoted to civil engineering, war machines, flight, mechanisms and instruments. The second floor is instead dedicated to studies on the movement of water and river navigation.

Palazzina Uzielli

Palazzina Uzielli hosts another important section of the Leonardo Museum, focusing on construction-site machines, textile manufacturing technology, mechanical clocks and anatomical studies. Recently, the new section Leonardo. Anatomy of Machines was inaugurated, exploring the structural elements of Leonardo’s inventions in greater depth. The museum’s ticket office is also located inside the building.

Piazza del Castello

Overlooking the Montalbano hills, Piazza del Castello is a true panoramic terrace, perfect for admiring the Tuscan landscape. Here stands the famous sculpture of the Vitruvian Man by Mario Ceroli, made of shaped laminated wood and donated to the City of Vinci in 1987. The artwork is inspired by the renowned drawing preserved at the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice, a symbol of the perfect proportions theorised by Vitruvius and interpreted by Leonardo.

Leonardo da Vinci’s Birthplace

Located in Anchiano, about 3 kilometres from Vinci, Leonardo da Vinci’s Birthplace is one of the most moving sites to visit. Inside, the life of the Renaissance genius is narrated through multimedia projections and three-dimensional installations. The original coat of arms of the da Vinci family is also preserved here.

Leonardo and Painting Educational–Exhibition Section

Located at Via Roma 23/A, the Leonardo and Painting exhibition space presents ultra-high-resolution, life-size reproductions of Leonardo’s paintings and selected drawings. The visit is enhanced by educational installations and explanatory videos, designed to explore the artist’s pictorial language in greater depth.

Church of Santa Croce

Dating back to the 13th century, the Church of Santa Croce is one of Vinci’s most important historic monuments. Leonardo da Vinci was baptised here, and the church still preserves the original baptismal font. Inside, visitors can also admire works by Cecco Bonanotte.

Piazza de’ Guidi

Designed by artist Mimmo Paladino and inaugurated in 2006, Piazza de’ Guidi is a contemporary urban space that engages in dialogue with the historic centre. Slabs of cardosio stone, silver blades and glass inlays create abstract geometries inspired by the Renaissance polyhedron, echoing Leonardo’s fascination with geometry and proportions.

Biblioteca Leonardiana

Located inside the Castello dei Conti Guidi, the Leonardo Library is an internationally recognised documentation centre for scholars and enthusiasts of Leonardo da Vinci. It houses a highly valuable collection of books and archival materials dedicated to the study of the Renaissance genius.

Where to eat in Vinci and surroundings

Bistrot delle Scuderie (Villa Dianella)
Via Dianella, 46
ph. +39 0571 508166

When looking for a restaurant to eat at near Vinci, Villa Dianella is a sure bet for those who love the authentic flavors of Tuscan cuisine. The kitchen follows a clear philosophy: a few dishes, well executed, that respect seasonality and enhance local ingredients. The menu changes with nature, maintaining a balance between tradition and contemporary lightness. The appetizers include selected cold cuts, local cheeses, and marinated vegetables; the first courses feature fresh pasta and risottos enriched with aromatic herbs grown on the estate. The second courses feature select meats and, when available, fresh fish, always accompanied by seasonal side dishes. Great attention is also paid to homemade desserts, simple but delicious, such as ricotta cake or cantucci served with Vin Santo, ideal for pairing with a tasting of the wines produced on the estate. An ideal location for a relaxed lunch or an elegant dinner, just a few minutes from Vinci.

Antica Cantina da Bacco
Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 3
ph. +39 0571 568041

In the heart of the historic center, Antica Cantina da Bacco is a must for anyone who wants to savor typical Tuscan cuisine in Vinci. The atmosphere is simple and authentic, with wooden tables and soft lighting that invite conviviality. The menu includes platters of cold cuts and cheeses, assorted bruschetta, and traditional dishes such as ribollita, tripe, and Tuscan soups. A historic restaurant, much loved by the residents of Vinci.

La Torretta
Via della Torre, 19
ph. +39 0571 56100

A historic and authentic restaurant, La Torretta is famous for its grilled steak, served directly at your table. The warm and familiar atmosphere is reminiscent of old Tuscan trattorias: a lit fireplace, wooden furnishings, bottles on display, and an atmosphere where time seems to stand still. A perfect place for those seeking traditional flavors and authentic cuisine in Vinci.

Bellosguardo
Via Provinciale di Mercatale
ph. +39 380 5808790

Nestled in the hills of Vinci, between golf courses and a valley with spectacular views, the Bellosguardo restaurant combines Tuscan cuisine with contemporary creativity. The location, with its infinity pool and breathtaking views, is also ideal for events and receptions. Try the tartare prepared in front of you, with customizable spices and condiments. A refined experience that elegantly showcases Tuscany.

PS Ristorante
Via di Petriolo 7 (Cerreto Guidi)
ph. +39 0571 1771225

About 15 minutes from Vinci, PS Ristorante is located inside the charming Villa Petriolo in Cerreto Guidi. Led by chef Stefano Pinciaroli, the restaurant offers cuisine that blends tradition and innovation, awarded with a Michelin star. The elegant, softly lit setting enhances a gastronomic journey with attention to every detail. The tasting menu is recommended to fully explore the chef's vision.

Agriturismo Casetta I
Via di San Donato, 58
ph. +39 0571 1490009

Nestled in the hills of Montalbano, Agriturismo Casetta I^ offers cuisine that combines Tuscan tradition and contemporary style, highlighting high-quality ingredients, including meat, fish, and selected local products. The dishes are designed to showcase the region with elegance and attention to detail. The experience is completed by the farm's own wines, which take center stage in the wine bar, and a panoramic terrace ideal for aperitifs and dinners at sunset. The refined setting makes Casetta I^ the perfect choice for private events and special occasions, immersed in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside.

Where to stay in Vinci and surroundings

Choosing where to stay in Vinci means experiencing the most authentic Tuscany, among hills, vineyards, and historic villages. Farmhouses, wine resorts, and boutique hotels offer ideal solutions for a relaxing stay, surrounded by nature and just a few minutes from the places associated with Leonardo da Vinci.

Cantagrillo Boutique resort
Via San Pantaleo, 32
ph. +39 376 0800606

Nestled in the hills of Vinci, Cantagrillo Boutique Resort is a welcoming establishment, also suitable for families thanks to its swimming pool and outdoor playground. The rustic yet elegant rooms offer a comfortable stay in true Tuscan style, surrounded by olive trees and vineyards.

Agriturismo Streda Wine & Country Holiday
Via di Streda, 32
ph. +39 0571 729195

Comprising three renovated historic farmhouses, Agriturismo Streda Wine & Country Holiday offers apartments with kitchenettes, ideal for families or longer stays. The estate covers approximately 80 hectares of vineyards and includes a panoramic swimming pool, a small private lake, an

Villa Dianella
Via Dianella, 48
ph. +39 0571 508166

For those seeking a complete experience combining wine, hospitality, and scenery, the Boutique Wine Resort Villa Dianella is one of the most charming establishments in the area. After careful renovation, the historic village now houses wine cellars, a farm, and an elegant resort, with rooms overlooking the hills of Vinci and its own production of wine and oil.

Monna Caterina Wine Resort
Via Lamporecchiana, 143
ph. +39 0571 845323

Appreciated for its panoramic location overlooking Vinci, the Monna Caterina Wine Resort offers rooms with historic charm, featuring exposed beams and stone walls. The experience is completed by an on-site restaurant, a swimming pool, a garden, and a terrace from which to admire the Tuscan landscape. An ideal choice for a romantic or relaxing stay.

Annual events and appointments in Vinci

Vinci is not only about history and art: the town hosts cultural events, historical reenactments and food-and-wine festivals throughout the year, offering the perfect opportunity to experience the village in an authentic way.

Lettura Vinciana

Each year, around mid-April, the Leonardo celebrations culminate in the Lettura Vinciana. Since 1960, the Leonardo Library has invited leading scholars of Leonardo studies to present critical lectures on the many fields connected to Leonardo da Vinci, exploring aspects of his life, his thought and his inventions.

Il giorno di Leonardo

This tradition dates back to 1959, when a squadron of jet aircraft flew over the skies of Vinci, dropping a laurel wreath onto Leonardo’s Birthplace. Ever since, on the first Sunday after 15 April, the town celebrates the birthday of the Renaissance genius with this special commemoration.e.

Festa dell’Unicorno

Every year at the end of July, the village is transformed into a medieval fantasy world during the Festa dell’Unicorno, featuring role-playing games, cosplay, masks, exhibitions and market stalls. A unique event for families and for lovers of history and fantasy alike.

Il Volo di Cecco Santi

On the last Wednesday of July, marking the conclusion of the July Fair, Vinci hosts the historical reenactment of the Flight of Cecco Santi. According to legend, Cecco Santi, accused of treason, saved himself thanks to a glass of wine before being thrown from the tower, “flying” all the way to the hill opposite. The event blends history, theatre and popular tradition.

Calici di Stelle

Every 10 August, Vinci’s squares—including Piazza Guido Masi and Piazza dei Conti Guidi—host Calici di Stelle, an evening of Chianti wine tastings from local producers accompanied by live music, in a relaxed and convivial summer atmosphere.

EcoVinci Festival

A festival dedicated to the environment, renewable energy and zero-mile food. The EcoVinci Festival offers workshops for both adults and children, along with talks by experts, raising awareness of sustainability and positioning Vinci as a hub for innovative ideas for the future.

How to Get to Vinci from Florence

Vinci is easily accessible from Florence, both by car and by public transport, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway in Tuscany.

By Car

Vinci is about 50 km from Florence. The fastest route follows the Florence–Pisa–Livorno highway (Fi-Pi-Li): leave Florence heading towards Pisa and exit at Empoli. From there, follow the signs to Vinci, just 10 km away. The drive offers scenic views of the Tuscan hills and is perfect for travellers who enjoy exploring the countryside independently.

By Train

If you prefer travelling by train, you can take a train from Florence Santa Maria Novella station to Empoli, on the Pisa–Livorno–Siena line. From Empoli, a taxi or transfer service will take you to Vinci in about 10 minutes.

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