Poppiano

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The Castello dei Conti Guidi (Castle of the Guidi Counts) has dominated Vinci since the 11th century and now hosts the Museo Leonardiano. In popular tradition, the castle is known as the "Castle of the Ship" for the elongated shape of the wall and the tower that together recall the outline of a sail boat. The tower dates to the 12th century and is completely deprived of openings, with walls more than two metres thick. The legend of the "flight of Cecco Santi" is tied to the castle. Cecco Santi was the captain of the Vinci army and, accused of betraying his city, was thrown from the castle tower. Cecco saved himself by taking flight, thereby obtaining grace. That year, the crops were abundant. This propitiatory tradition is revived every last Wednesday of July, with a re-enactment of the story of Cecco.