Church of Santa Croce
In the historic center of Vinci lies the Church of Santa Croce, once known as the ancient “Chapel of Vincio,” already mentioned in historical records dating back to 1132. Originally dedicated to Saint Andrew, the Patron Saint of the Municipality of Vinci, it was renamed Santa Croce (Holy Cross) in the 13th century. The current bell tower was inaugurated in 1855, while restoration work carried out between the 1920s and 1930s gave the church its current Neo-Renaissance appearance.
The interior features three naves divided into bays, ending in two chapels dedicated respectively to Saint Andrew and the Blessed Sacrament. The Chapel of the Crucifix houses an ancient wooden crucifix dating to the early 15th century, as well as relics of the Holy Cross and an image of Our Lady of Sorrows, which is the focus of deep popular devotion. Among the most important artworks are a Nativity of the Virgin (1562) by Francesco Brina, the Miracle of Saint Blaise by Gaetano Piattoli, and an Adoration of the Magi by Pier Dandini.
The Baptistery and Baptismal Font
Inside the church, a special baptistery was created to mark the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s birth. Here, you can admire the baptismal font where Leonardo was baptized on April 16, 1452 by the parish priest Piero di Bartolomeo Cecchi. In 2010, the baptistery was enriched with a sculptural cycle by artist Cecco Bonanotte, titled The Baptism of Leonardo.
One of the walls bears a plaque with the words of Leonardo’s grandfather, Ser Antonio da Vinci, written on the last page of an old notarial book:
“A grandson of mine was born, son of Ser Piero, my son, on the 15th of April 1452, on a Saturday at 3 a.m. He was named Leonardo.”
The church is open daily and free to visit.