Incisa in Valdarno is a small town in the Upper Arno Valley (Valdarno Superiore) south of Florence, sitting where the river narrows between wooded hills. It is traditionally the gateway to the Valdarno from the north, and its position on the old Florentine state road — and now the Autostrada del Sole motorway — has defined its character for centuries. The modern town is mostly unremarkable, but the old centre preserves several churches and oratories of genuine interest.
The oratory of San Alessandro, built in 1591, houses a triptych by Andrea di Giusto from the early fifteenth century — a minor work but a well-preserved one. More significant is the church of SS. Cosma and Damiano al Vivaio, a Baroque building consecrated in 1538 and subsequently restored, which contains a Madonna with Child attributed to Donatello, Della Robbia terracotta work, and an eighteenth-century organ. The Oratorio del Crocifisso al Castello is another notable example of local religious architecture.
Incisa is easily reached from Florence by the Slow Train (Ferrovia Lenta) on the Florence–Arezzo line, or by road on the SS 69 that follows the Arno upstream. It makes a logical stop between Florence and Arezzo for travellers interested in the Valdarno's quiet stream of art-filled villages.