Serra San Quirico

Perched on a rocky outcrop at the entrance to the picturesque Gola della Rossa, Serra San Quirico is one of the most charming medieval towns in the Marche region, capable of recounting an ancient history whilst offering breathtaking natural scenery. Its origins are lost in time: the area was already inhabited in Etruscan and Picene times, whilst the Romans established a strategic garrison there to control the passage between the Adriatic and the hinterland. Following the devastation of the barbarian invasions, the village flourished once more around the year 1000 thanks to the work of Saint Romuald, before being consolidated in the 12th century under the Papal States as a fortified citadel.

The heart of Serra San Quirico is its historic centre, one of the best-preserved in the region, where the 14th-century urban layout has remained almost intact. Strolling through its streets means immersing oneself in a labyrinth of ups and downs, arches and views of sandstone, until reaching the village’s most characteristic symbol: the famous Copertelle, covered walkways that run along the walls and connect the houses, creating a defensive system that is unique in its kind. Dominating the village stands the Torre del Cassero, an ancient watchtower built in the 14th century, offering spectacular views over the Vallesina valley and the River Esino.

The village’s artistic and religious heritage is equally rich. The Church of Santa Lucia, austere on the outside but with a stunning Baroque interior, houses important paintings and forms part of a complex that is home to the Marche Regional Historical Map Library, the Ermanno Casoli Prize Museum of Contemporary Art and the Local Natural History Museum. The Church of San Quirico and Giulitta, founded in the early years after the year 1000, preserves the relic of the Holy Thorn, deeply venerated by the community. No less interesting are the Church of San Filippo Neri, with its elegant wooden choir loft, and the Church of San Francesco, known for its traditional exhibition of nativity scenes.

Surrounding the village, the landscape is dominated by the unspoilt nature of the Gola della Rossa and Frasassi Regional Nature Park, an ideal area for hiking, trekking, mountain biking and climbing. The nearby Monte Murano is a landmark for lovers of outdoor activities, whilst just a few kilometres away you can visit places steeped in history such as the Abbey of Sant’Elena and the fortified hamlet of Domo.

Serra San Quirico has a vibrant cultural life, punctuated by events that attract visitors from all over Italy. In spring, the National School Theatre Festival takes place, whilst in September the Frasassi Climbing Festival draws climbing enthusiasts from all over the world. During the Christmas period, the village is transformed into a charming living nativity scene, creating a unique atmosphere amongst the illuminated streets.

The local culinary tradition also adds to the charm of the place: here you can enjoy Verdicchio dei Castelli from Jesi, one of the Marche region’s signature wines, alongside typical products such as the “calcione”, a dessert made with cheese, sugar and eggs, as well as high-quality cured meats, cheeses and extra virgin olive oil.

Serra San Quirico thus presents itself as a true guardian of the Vallesina: a village suspended between history and nature, where every stone tells of centuries of life and every view invites you to pause, observe and let yourself be surprised.