On April 15, 1452, in a small village between Pistoia and Empoli in northern Tuscany, Leonardo da Vinci was born. While it isn’t quite a tourist center, Vinci—after which Leonardo was named—is certainly a recommended stop for anyone traveling around Tuscany and wants to visit the place where this remarkable individual spent his formative years.
In the 13th century’s Conti Guidi castle you’ll find the Leonardo Museum. This museum includes the story of Leonardo de Vinci and the relationship between him and the village. Together with physical models of the machines he designed and invented, the exhibitions include a multimedia app Leonardo Touch with pictorial and graphic pieces by Leonardo and an HD digital reproduction of The Last Supper.
Leonardo is present all around this small village, with models and public art modeled after his designs, including a large wooden model of the Vitruvian Man in the center square.
You can visit the streets of the medieval village and pop into the small Romanesque churches, but even then you will find that you will be directed to the Church of Santa Croce, where Leonardo is said to be baptized.
