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Natural Monuments

Piazzale Leonardo and the Monument to Leonardo da Vinci’s Flight, Monte Ceceri

Natural Monuments

Piazzale Leonardo and the Monument to Leonardo da Vinci’s Flight, Monte Ceceri

Highlight • Monument

Piazzale Leonardo and the Monument to Leonardo da Vinci’s Flight, Monte Ceceri

Recommended by 204 hikers out of 214

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Area Naturale Protetta di Interesse Locale Montececeri

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Location: Fiesole, Florence, Tuscany, Italy

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Best Hikes to Piazzale Leonardo and the Monument to Leonardo da Vinci’s Flight, Monte Ceceri

4.1

(68)

171

hikers

1. View over Florence from Monte Ceceri – ring tour

3.87km

01:17

190m

Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

4.7

(121)

337

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2. Monte Ceceri Summit – Walk through Olive Orchards loop from Settignano

11.2km

03:33

380m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

4.6

(131)

361

hikers

3. Monte Ceceri Summit – Walk through Olive Orchards loop from Settignano

9.33km

02:51

280m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

Tips

aiscrim

April 8, 2015

Monte Ceceri is known first of all because it was used by Leonardo Da Vinci as a "springboard" to test his Flight Machine in 1506. Tommaso Masini, known as Zoroastro da Peretola, one of the "familiars", personally experienced the machine. by Leonardo. That Tommaso was the driver of the car would be testified by a note by Leonardo himself, in his Codex of Flight. According to the testimonies, the Machine managed to glide for about a thousand meters, landing in Camerata, between Fiesole and Florence. It is not true, therefore, that Thomas would have broken his legs on landing (this was written by Merejkowski, in one of his novels on the life of Leonardo). A source, among other things, would give Tommaso healthy and active in Modena only a few months later. From Mount Ceceri, therefore, the first human flight in history would have been successfully attempted. The 500th anniversary of this exceptional event has recently taken place, with no celebrations of particular importance.

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Vanessa

August 20, 2019

From Monte Ceceri Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) tried around 1505 his first flying exercises with his homemade aircraft. The attempts failed, however, and Leonardo noted in his manuscript "Codex on bird flight" that his assistant Tommaso Masini broke a leg or a few ribs.

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Francesca Cilenti

March 20, 2022

Panorama

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Maik

October 17, 2017

Leonardo Da Vinci Skulpturen.

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Damiano 🇮🇹

June 19, 2024

This monument is situated within the scenic natural reserve of Monte Ceceri in Fiesole, an area closely associated with Leonardo's early experiments and studies.

Leonardo da Vinci is celebrated here with a stone engraving in Piazzale Leonardo, which references his famous work on the flight of birds. This location is historically significant as it is believed to be the testing ground for his flying machine, the "Grande Nibbio." The panoramic views from this spot not only offer a glimpse into Leonardo's life but also provide breathtaking vistas over Florence and the surrounding countryside.

Visitors can follow the CAI path 7, starting from the Cave di Maiano, leading to this historically rich piazza. The walk through the nature reserve, past historical quarries, and up to Piazzale Leonardo is a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for those exploring the Via degli Dei.

Arno

March 30, 2018

Good hiking boots and a stable basic condition is a must.

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Elevation 390 m

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Thursday 13 November

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Max wind speed: 2.0 km/h

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Location: Fiesole, Florence, Tuscany, Italy

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Piazzale Leonardo and the Monument to Leonardo da Vinci’s Flight, Monte Ceceri

1. View over Florence from Monte Ceceri – ring tour

2. Monte Ceceri Summit – Walk through Olive Orchards loop from Settignano

3. Monte Ceceri Summit – Walk through Olive Orchards loop from Settignano

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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