Fornaci Incisa: History on the Arno

Fornaci Incisa combines its location on the Arno with a distinctive building and historic routes. For travelers choosing a hotel as a base for exploring the area’s cultural history, the Torre del Bandinelli offers a clear focal point. Castello dell’Incisa is also known as Torre del Bandinelli or Torre della Bandinella.

The Torre del Bandinelli and its architectural history

Castello dell’Incisa dates from the 14th century and is a protected architectural heritage site. The tower has a square ground plan and is topped with battlements. At the same time, it does not stand alone as a separate structure: it was incorporated into a larger, lower agricultural building. Looking at the architecture, this can be described as a combination of a tower and a lower section of the building.

The tower stands on the right bank of the Arno, elevated above the road. It overlooks the Arno Valley and the town of Incisa. Two aspects of the area come together at this building: its striking location by the river and its historic architecture, which dates back to the 14th century. Those interested in architectural forms will find specific features here rather than just a general historical backdrop: a square ground plan, battlements, and its integration into the larger building.

Historic routes and culture in Incisa

The streets are also part of the area’s history. Via di San Donato was one of the two historic royal roads in this area. The valley-floor road was the more recent of the two. This distinction adds a look at earlier routes to the history of the tower without equating the two roads: Via di San Donato is identified as one of the two roads, while the valley-floor road is specifically noted as being more recent.

Casa Petrarca serves as an exhibition and meeting venue. Exhibitions, workshops, and training courses take place there. Nearby in Incisa, the Via del Castello di Incisa route includes viewpoints and installations featuring verses by Francesco Petrarca. Different cultural experiences are found side by side: a venue for events and a route whose viewpoints and installations feature Petrarca’s verses.

A more recent route description also mentions a flat section of a cycle path running parallel to the Arno, passing below and alongside the Torre della Bandinella. This offers a different perspective on the area than the history of the royal roads: here, the river, the cycle path as described, and its connection to the tower are the specific points of reference.

Plan for walking, buses, and parking

In 2010, a 200-meter-long sidewalk was built along Regional Road 69, between Località Fornaci di Reggello and the Incisa cemetery. As conditions may change, check locally whether the section is usable as planned for your visit.

As of August 29, 2026, routes 351 A, 355, and 360 A were listed for the “FORNACE” stop in Fornaci Incisa. Check the current timetable before traveling, as services may change. A report from July 2021 described the Le Fornaci parking lot as having 30 spaces near the bridge over the Arno and directly below the Torre della Bandinella; follow local signs when you arrive.

A municipal notice dated December 3, 2024, mentioned an electric vehicle charging station in the delle Fornaci parking lot near Incisa. If the charging station is important to your plans, check in advance whether it will be available during your visit. The dated information about the parking lot and charging station may help with planning; for your actual arrival, the timetable and signs remain the practical points of reference.

Discover more destinations: Cancelli, San Donato Fronzano, Sant'ellero, Vallombrosa, Tallini, Tosi, Donnini.

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