Leonardo da Vinci famously spent years in Milan working under the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza, painting, designing floats and pageants for special occasions, creating equestrian monuments for the city, and more. His mark, therefore, can be felt in various spots all throughout the city to this day and those who find a villa in Lombardy and visit Milan or those who book a vacation rental in Milan itself who have a penchant for all things Leonardo and the Renaissance, will find plenty to intrigue them from museums to artworks. However, the most unique trace of Leonardo that remains in the city today has to be Leonardo’s Vineyard.
Tucked away in Milan's artistic corner, La Vigna di Leonardo (Leonardo’s Vineyard) was once owned by the master himself and was gifted to him by Sforza. The vineyard was very close to da Vinci's heart as his family long had ties to winemaking and as it acted as the perfect respite from his exhaustive work. Today, this once-private sanctuary offers a captivating glimpse into the legendary artist's personal world and is an absolute must-visit for anyone exploring the city.
Adjacent to the vineyard is the majestic Casa degli Atellani, also known as Libreria degli Attellani. This property, the sole survivor from da Vinci's era in the area, was once the home of the Atellanis, esteemed diplomats and courtiers. While the historic house is undoubtedly an allure, the vineyard remains the main attraction.
Through the annals of time, the vineyard has faced its own set of challenges. Forgotten and overgrown, it suffered a devastating blow during WWII bombing but, thankfully, it now thrives again, thanks to meticulous restoration by dedicated wine geneticists. Replanted to mirror its original design during da Vinci's era, visitors can now embark on a 25-minute guided tour, available in multiple languages.
Although the vineyard doesn't yield its own wine just yet, local Milanese wines and excellent snacks are available for guests to savour, amidst the very scenery that da Vinci himself once cherished – a really special da Vinci experience that is unmissable for those who book their holiday rental in Lombardy and come to seek him out in Milan.
La Vigna di Leonardo
Corso Magenta 65, 20123 Milan
+39.024816150
info@vignadileonardo.com
Opening Hours:
Tuesday-Sunday, 9am to 6pm.
Closed on Mondays.
Check availability well in advance as tickets can sell out for a week at a time.
Tickets:
Tickets range from €10-20.