While planning for a few free days in ITALY last Fall, I discovered the town of VINCI, which is about 1 hour west of FLORENCE.
I put two-and-two-together - LEONARDO DA VINCI means LEONARDO of VINCI. I knew immediately that I had to visit and am so THRILLED that I did. Hopefully, you can get the feeling of his BIRTHPLACE through my photos here.
LEONARDO was born on APRIL 15, 1452!!! Think about that....... almost 600 years ago!
The town of VINCI is way out in the countryside. As you can see, VINCI is very proud of its HERITAGE.
In the central square, there is a STATUE of a HORSE that LEONARDO had drawn.
We finally had to stop and ask where LEONARDO'S actual birthplace is and were directed to ANCHIANO, a village 3 km outside of VINCI.
Looking at the surrounding landscape you can see what must have inspired him in his paintings.
We found it!
LEONARDO was born the illegitimate child of a domestic servant (a peasant girl) and a wealthy Florentine notary, PIERO FRUOSINO di ANTONIO DA VINCI. He was born and lived in ANCHIANO until about age 5, when it's believed that he then moved to the town of VINCI to live with his Father, Grandparents and Uncle.
His stone home and courtyard were BEAUTIFULLY restored in 2012, led by a TEACHER at the UNIVERSITY OF ARCHITECTURE in Florence.
The INTERIOR - only 3 rooms - is sparse (but impressive) with simply a few reproductions and some items for sale.
Naturally, DA VINCI'S "THE LAST SUPPER" (reproduction) is on display. The original is in MILAN, ITALY.
Along the roadway, out by the ENTRANCE, people leave FLOWERS at this SHRINE. I love the mixture of brick and stones here. And of course the brightly-colored ITALIAN POTTERY.
There are many VERY OLD OLIVE TREES on the property and in the surrounding area.
LEONARDO died in FRANCE in 1519 at age 67 of a probable stroke. Legend has it that he died in the arms of his trusted friend and confidant, FRANCIS I, KING OF FRANCE.
He's buried in the COLLEGIATE CHURCH OF SAINT FLORENTIN at the CHATEAU D'AMBOISE in France.
20 years after LEONARDO'S death, FRANCIS I is reported as saying -
"There had never been another man born in the world who knew as much
as Leonardo, not so much about painting, sculpture and architecture,
as that he was a very great philosopher."
JOAN
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