Leonardo Museum 7.9€ each, not included in the price of the tour.
Leonardo da Vinci, renowned for his multifaceted talents as an inventor, engineer, and botanist, stands as one of the most celebrated figures of the Renaissance. Despite his brilliance, many of his projects remained unrealized, resulting in only a limited visibility of his works in his hometown of Florence. This is why very few of his works are – at least immediately – visible in Florence.
For an in-depth exploration of the extraordinary life of Leonardo da Vinci and a journey through his significant places in Florence, a private guided tour with a local expert proves to be the optimal choice.
Starting our itinerary from the building where his workshop was supposed to be in the city center, we will visit the Leonardo Interactive Museum, showcasing reproductions of his projects. As we pass by the Duomo, we’ll discuss Leonardo da Vinci’s first mentor and witness their collaborative debut. Passing by the hospital where the Renaissance genius purportedly conducted anatomical studies, our tour concludes in Piazza della Signoria, unraveling the story of a lost masterpiece and revealing the original palace where the story of the Monna Lisa began.
Our exploration of Leonardo da Vinci begins at a distinctive site: the Basilica of Santissima Annunziata. Recent studies suggest that in 1500, Leonardo took residence in this convent after undertaking painting assignments for the church. Eager to discover the outcome of that commission? Your private guide will provide a comprehensive account.
A short stroll from Santissima Annunziata, Piazza San Marco, fostered by the Medici family, became the epicenter of the Renaissance. Lorenzo il Magnifico‘s private garden in this square, open to artists and intellectuals, was attended by Leonardo.
A short walk from the Basilica of Santissima Annunziata brings us to the Leonardo Interactive Museum – an innovative exhibition solely dedicated to the universal genius. Modern reproductions of his projects are on display, to better understand Leonardo’s inventions accompanied by copies of his manuscripts. Enjoy deciphering his renowned handwriting and experimenting with his futuristic machines.
Circling the majestic Duomo of Florence, your expert private guide will highlight how the construction of the cathedral, especially its dome by Filippo Brunelleschi, influenced Leonardo’s creativity. Collaborating with master Andrea Verrocchio, both artists played a role in the church’s final creation. Where exactly is Leonardo’s contribution? Pose the question to your guide and enhance your observation skills.
Our private tour proceeds to a less frequented area of Florence near the Duomo, where the ancient hospital, Santa Maria Nuova, has been active since 1288. Historical records indicate that Leonardo da Vinci conducted anatomical studies in this medical institution. The hospital, housed in a Renaissance building, offers a museum and a beautifully adorned church open to all visitors.
A comprehensive tour of Leonardo should include his most famous painting, the Monna Lisa, but it is currently housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris. Did you know that in 1911, it was stolen and later recovered in Florence two years later?
Your guide will provide intricate details about this audacious art theft and pinpoint where Leonardo commenced the creation of the Monna Lisa.
In the competitive artistic landscape of Renaissance Florence, the government organized challenges to inspire masters to create unparalleled works, including Leonardo da Vinci. In front of Palazzo Vecchio, within the grandeur of Piazza della Signoria, your guide will recount the intriguing tale of the artistic rivalry between Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Who emerged victorious in this artistic battle?
If you desire more encounters with Leonardo da Vinci in your itinerary, consider joining our Stress Free Uffizi Gallery guided tour to witness his paintings in Florence.
Floe – Florence Local Experts
Via Laura, 38 – 50121 Florence (IT)
