On the left side of the Esino River lies Serra San Quirico, where flies the Orange Flag, an award given by Touring Club Italiano to small inland towns across Italy in recognition of the quality of what they offer the tourist while not sacrificing the environment. It is an ancient little town perched high on a hillside, whose territory is included in the the Regional Natural Park of Gola della Rossa and Frasassi.
Some archaeological findings would date the earliest settlements at the time of the Etruscans. Later the Romans founded a military base, around which the original village developed.
The first thing you'll notice as the village comes into view are the copertelle, or covered walkways built above the 12th century walls. You can stroll through them taking in the splendid views of the valley below. You can also admire the striking tower of defense, built between 1360 and 1374. The church of Santa Lucia is one of the region's prettiest high baroque churches built in 1650 on an older church. In amongst the gilt and the cherubs are remarkably fine paintings by Guido Reni, Pasqualino Rossi and Cavaliere D'Arpino. The former convent next to the church of St. Lucia now houses the regional Cartoteca, boasting a large collection of cards, maps and engravings. Must-see attractions are also the parish church of SS. Quirico and Giuditta, the baroque Church of St. Philip and the former church of Santa Maria del Mercato, in Romanesque style, now used as a theatre. A few kilometers from the center, in the valley below, is the Abbey of St. Elena, built between 1009 and 1010 in Romanesque-Gothic style. In spring Serra San Quirico hosts the "Theatre Festival of School Children"; during the last week of July you can't miss "Paese dei Balocchi" (Pleasure island), an event dedicated to children, with performances, workshops and recreational activities; at Christmas time Serra San Quirico becomes a Nativity scene village.
Once in Serra San Quirico, it's worth wandering along its curious arcaded alleyways and hunt out some "calcione" pastry, a delicious sweet cake made from sour cheese and lemon filling.