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VINCI AND
LEONARDO
On
April 15th, 1452 the great Leonardo (da Vinci means from Vinci) was
born, a man who was destined to leave his mark with his talent in the
history of art and scientific thought. Both genial and eclectic, he
represents centuries later one of the highest points of intelligence that
human mind has reached. Let's let ourselves be picked up by the echo of
his legend and be transported to the town of his birth.
Vinci is perched on a hill on the slopes of Monte Albano where an ancient,
almond-shaped castle dominates the landscape. This is the fortress of the Guidi
Counts and home to the Museo Leonardiano. Through the study of the
Atlantic Codex models that realize the extraordinary intuitions of the
Master had been built. These machines include devices for movement through
air, water, and on land, as well as weapons and work machines, his ancient
dreams of the future that today populate our everyday life. The collection
brings us the parachute, floats for walking on water, and ... the bicycle.
Moving further South, on the other side of the Arno, we arrive in San
Miniato, whose neighborhoods cover the crests of three hills. The
system of settlement shows the urban interventions undertaken at the time
of the Frederick II. In that period, in fact, the town was between the
fortified strongholds of the plain, right in the path of Via Pisana and
not far from Via Francigena. From the tree shaded piazza of the Duomo
there is a fabulous panorama of the river valley.
Going up to the highest part of town we find the Torre di Federico. This
place is tied to the tragic fate of Pier delle Vigne, notary public
in service of the King, accused of treason by his enemies of the Court.
Imprisoned in the tower, he was then blinded with a red-hot iron, then
putting an end to his torture by hitting his head on the wall of his
prison cell, provoking his death. His sad fate is told by Dante in the
XIII Charter of the Inferno.
After visiting the historical center, take a break in a nice restaurant to
try out some of the delicacies of the local cuisine. Many dishes give off
the unmistakable aroma of truffle, to which an important Exposition &
Market is dedicated in November. There is also the fabulous local chianina
beef , the red wine salami with vegetables, dressed with olive oil of the
highest quality. It is all accompanied by Chianti and wines produced in
the hills of Pisa.
E-mail
for prices -
include tour name, dates and number of people.
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