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Kez
Kez
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5 out of 5
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Leonardo's da Vinci's Last Home

  • July 10, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Kez from Broadbeach Waters, Australia
Leonardo's da Vinci's Last Home

Make sure you visit here especially if you have any interest in science and even if you don’t you will still find yourself marveling at the mind that was Leonardo’s.

Clos Luce was originally built in the late 1400’s and was the summer residence of French Kings for almost two hundred years; it was in 1516 that Leonardo was invited by King Francois I to live here and where he spent the last three years of his life.

You visit the house following a set route, first by climbing up the watch tower to the first floor and then entering Leonardo’s bedroom where he had a great view of the Castle. You then continue on to the study where he designed amongst many other things a model castle, a water course and self closing doors. You continue on through a number of other rooms including the Great Hall and the kitchen where his faithful cook Mathurine prepared his vegetarian meals.

The highlight is really kept until last down in four rooms in the basement where the Models of Leonardo have been recreated. There are approximately forty models that were four centuries ahead of their time and the first of many later inventions including a tank, the flying machine (aeroplane), plumbers wrench, car, helicopter, and parachute and so the list goes on. It is fascinating so allow yourself some time and there are many more of these recreations in the beautiful gardens including some of his paintings and it is a pleasure to wander around here.

How did the Mona Lisa end up in France? It was one of three favourite paintings that Leonardo bought with him when he travelled via mule over the mountains from Italy when he came to live here.

From journal The Chateau’s of the lovely Loire Valley

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