Perhaps no idea speaks to the epic ambition and scope of Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions better than his ideal city. This invention focuses not just on a single area but combines da Vinci’s talents as an artist, architect, engineer and inventor to create an entire city.

Da Vinci’s ideal city idea came about after the plague had ravaged Milan, killing off nearly a third of the city’s population. Leonardo wanted to design a city that would be more united, with greater communications, services and sanitation to prevent the future spread of such diseases.

His ideal city integrated a series of connected canals, which would be used for commercial purposes and as a sewage system. The city would feature lower and upper areas – the lower being canals for tradesmen and travelers and the upper being roads for "gentleman". The roads were designed to be very broad, most likely in response to Milan’s narrow streets where people were jammed together, probably contributing to the spread of the plague.

Being an artist and architect, da Vinci’s city also would be a vision to behold, with elegant buildings featuring large arches and pillars. Da Vinci said of his style of urban planning: "Only let that which is good looking be seen on the surface of the city."

Da Vinci detailed many other great and small aspects of his city. These include special stables for horses, which the animal-loving da Vinci saw as integral to the workings of the city, and fresh air vents in buildings. However, since da Vinci’s design was so grand in scale and required an entire city to be rebuilt, his ideal city never actually came to fruition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Leonardo da Vinci’s Ideal City

What is Leonardo da Vinci’s Ideal City?
The Ideal City refers to a set of designs and drawings Leonardo made about how a city could be planned better. He thought about streets, buildings, waterways, and how people could live more healthfully and efficiently in a community.

Why did Leonardo think about city design?
Leonardo was interested in many aspects of life and society, not just art and machines. He saw that the cities of his time were crowded, unsanitary, and prone to disease. His city plans were part of his attempt to imagine healthier, more organized living environments.

What did the Ideal City look like?
The drawings show straight, wide streets with buildings arranged to allow good airflow and light. Things like canals or better drainage were included so waste would not gather in the streets. The idea was to promote cleanliness and comfort.

Was this city ever built?
No. Leonardo’s Ideal City existed only on paper. It was never constructed in his lifetime. His drawings were visionary ideas rather than plans that were realized.

What problems was Leonardo trying to solve with the Ideal City?
He wanted to address overcrowding, sickness, and poor sanitation. At the time, many cities were narrow, maze like, and lacked clean water or sewer systems. Leonardo’s designs tried to fix these problems by planning space better.

Did Leonardo include specific buildings or just general layout?
He focused mostly on overall layout and how spaces worked together. There are suggestions for building placement and civic centers, but the emphasis is on how the city functions as a whole, rather than on individual landmark buildings.

How was movement and traffic handled in his design?
Leonardo thought about how people and goods would move through the city. Wide, straight streets and clear pathways would make walking and transport easier. Some of his sketches also show canals for moving goods by water.

Did anyone build a city based on his ideas?
No city was built exactly from his plans, but many later thinkers and planners referenced similar ideas about sanitation, light, and order when designing more modern cities.

Why is the Ideal City still studied today?
It shows that Leonardo was thinking not just as an artist or inventor, but as someone deeply curious about how society could function better. His ideas about health, light, and organization are still relevant in urban planning conversations today.

Where can I see Leonardo’s Ideal City drawings?
Many museums and collections that focus on Renaissance art and Leonardo’s notebooks include reproductions or original sketches showing his city ideas. These drawings help people understand his broader thinking beyond painting and machines.

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The ideal city – Ms B Fol 16r and 37v
Life and Inventions of Leonardo da Vinci, 1452-1519