Tuscany | Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

Leonardo da Vinci Tuscany

November 13, 2013 by David Herd

Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci Tuscany

Leonardo da Vinci Tuscany Italy surrounded by the Tuscan hills mainly consisting of vineyards and olive groves. The city of course is surrounded by the Tuscan hills mainly consisting of vineyards and olive groves. The city of course is famous being the birthplace of Leonardo Da Vinci who was born on 15 April 1452, in a farmhouse about 3 kilometres from the town, between Anchiano and Faltognano.

Leonardo was, and is, renowned primarily as a painter. Among his works, the Mona Lisa is the most famous and most parodied portrait and The Last Supper the most reproduced religious painting of all time.

Church of Santa Croce

The church of Santa Croce, mentioned in documents dating from at least the year 1132, was originally a simple structure of Romanesque architecture to which was added a portico with Tuscan columns. In honour of Leonardo, at the IV centennial of his birth (1852), it was decided to build the bell tower we see today.

The house where Leonardo was born

This was Leonardos home, Leonardo da Vinci was born on 15 April 1452, his full name was “Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci”, which means “Leonardo, son of Piero, of Vinci”. Half a million visitors a year come to visit the Museum of Leonardo and his birthplace.

Wooden representation of the Vitruvian Man

Behind the castle of the Conti Guidi, in the small but lovely center of town, you will notice a wooden representation of the Vitruvian Man, a drawing by Leonardo in which he represented a man with the ideal proportions. From this terrace, you can enjoy a wonderful panorama of the surrounding hills.

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The Leonardo Museum

The Leonardo Museum is arranged in two buildings which cover the history of the master both as architect and scientist. There are rooms dedicated to his building-site machinery, textile manufacturing technology, mechanical clocks, war machinery, flying machines and much more.

I guess this must be a wall garden.

Looks rather spectacular.

David Herd in Vinci in Tuscany.

There are so many interesting places to visit in Tuscany.

Narrow street in Vinci

Quite a small village.

Leonardo da Vinci born Tuscany Italy

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Medieval village San Gimignano

September 24, 2013 by David Herd

Beautiful San Gimignano

Medieval village San Gimignano

Medieval village San Gimignano Tuscany, I first went there in 2001 and again 5 years later in 2006. You may notice the difference in quality of my photos. Obviously by 2006 digital cameras had improved out of sight.

San Gimignano, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The town also is known for the white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, produced from the ancient variety of Vernaccia grape which is grown on the sandstone hillsides of the area. This is really a wonderful Medieval village.

Drinking wine in San Gimignano.

Here are my two lovely Italian friends Francesca & Barbara a.k.a. Gypsy. We met 6 months ago in 1999 at Koh Samui in Thailand. I’m still in contact with Francesca who lives in Florence also however I’m sad to say Barbara married had a child and lost touch with me. 🙁

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Medieval village San Gimignano

In the Middle Ages and Renaissance era, it was a stopping point for Catholic pilgrims on their way to Rome and the Vatican, as it sits on the medieval Via Francigena. The city’s development was also improved by the trade of agricultural products from the fertile neighbouring hills, in particular saffron, used in both cooking and dyeing cloth and Vernaccia wine, said to inspire popes and poets.

Making music in San Gimignano

Making music in San Gimignano, there is a surprise around every corner.

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Towers in San Gimignano.

San Gimignano is famous for its Medieval village architecture, unique in the preservation of about a dozen of its tower houses, which, with its hilltop setting and encircling walls form “an unforgettable skyline”

Another photo of the square from a different angle.

In 1199, the city made itself independent from the bishops of Volterra and established a podestà, and set about enriching the commune, with churches and public buildings. However, the peace of the town was disturbed for the next two centuries by conflict between Guelphs and Ghibellines, and family rivalries. This resulted in families building tower houses of increasing height. Towards the end of the Medieval period they were 72 in number and up to 70 metres (230 feet) tall. The rivalry was finally restrained when it was ordained by the council that no tower was to be taller than that adjacent to the Palazzo Comunale.