The name Vinci comes from the term 'vinco' indicating the withes used to tie grapevines, turning red in Autumn.
This beautiful Tuscan town set on the hills of Montalbano dates back to Roman times when it was inhabited by the
Etruscans and later became a Roman 'Castrum'.
Vinci is located in the heart of Tuscany, within easy reach of all the major Tuscan art cities.
Vinci is on the top of a hill in an area called Montalbano, a chain of high hills which encloses the plains of
Pistoia and the Arno valley. Mainly dominated by olive groves and vineyards, the area is rich in woods and in
several species of animals, which made the Medici family elect it as their hunting reservation ('Barco Reale').
The area also boasts fine examples of antique architecture - particularly the Medici residences in Artimino,
Cerreto Guidi, Montelupo and Poggio a Caiano - traditional, centuries-old handcrafts such as glass-making and
pottery, a superb culinary tradition as well as excellent wines and oils. Those who visit this enchanting town
enjoy magical views of the true Tuscan countryside, rolling hills planted with seemingly endless olive trees and
vines, so peaceful and unspoilt that you feel transported back to Leonardo times.
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
The life of a genius
1452 Leonardo da Vinci born 15 April. Remained in Vinci until he was sixteen.
1469 Leaves Vinci for Florence to became an apprentice for Verrocchio.
1472 At age of twenty, Leonardo enrolled in Guild of Florentine Painters.
1473 First drawing recorded 'The Arno valley'.
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