Serra San Quirico is a borgo having Medieval origins, couched on the slopes of Monte Murano, castled on a rocky spur overlooking the Esino valley. The mountains overhanging the ancient fortress seem to embrace it in a vast expanse of verdant woodland of oaks and conifers.
Serra today is still completely enclosed by its massive walls dominated by the 14th century Cassero Tower. One of the most attractive little towns of the Marche, the old borgo represents the splendor of the ancient fortified cities; subdivided into a series of narrow streets adorned with high buildings, towers and churches, richly ornate stone sculpture which further enhance the harmony of their architectural elements. The covered passageways and the extraordinary ceiling of Longobard origin accompany the visitor giving way to interesting and romantic views of the valley below.
Many are the walks and excursions to be enjoyed along the shady paths leading to alpine pastures and caves in the environs.
The culinary tradition linked to the borgo allows the palate to yield to ancient flavours, sampling dishes from the Marchigian traditional cuisine which employs succulent woodland products like: mushrooms, asparagus and truffles.
The borgo's origins go back to ancient times; the first settlements in the area stretch back to primitive prehistoric populations. Only later were there alternating settlements of Umbro-Picena first, followed by Celtic (Galli Senoni). Probably the best organised settlement developed in the Roman era at the mouth of the Gola della Rossa, compulsory passage for Rome and therefore a greatly important strategic spot. The subsequent Barbarian incursions modified to destruction the flourishing Roman centre which was rebuilt and at the beginning of the Middle Ages incorporated into the Ravenna exarchate. Becoming part of the Carolingia constituency of the Marca Inferiore during the period of Carlo Magno, the borgo renewed and developed, changing its aspect under the vigorous impulse of monasticism represented by St. Romualdo Abbot.
In the XII century, the little hamlet, with the support of the Pontifical State, became a fortified citadel, well-placed to control the area. For about five centuries until the XVII century, it continued as a free commune complete with its own statute, embellishing and undergoing the historic ups and downs of the surrounding territory.
On 18th September 1841, the borgo was honored with the Pontifical visit of Gregory XVI from Loreto, who, lacking the time to climb up to the Castle, stopped in the little church of St. Maria di Loreto, acclaimed by large numbers of the faithful.

Monuments