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Its origins date back perhaps to the Ausoni and it is believed to have been re-established on the ruins of the ancient Arponion. Its name derives from Querquarium, for the oak woods that surround it. Many were the lords of Cerchiara, but the most important were the Pignatellis who were its masters for more than 300 years. Interesting is the Church of St. Peter, a building of the ’400, where you can admire the Great Altar; worth attention are the two side doors carved in bas-relief. They house some paintings of great value and a statue of S. Bonifacio carved in wood. In the area of Cerchiara there are several monasteries. The most important is that of S. Maria delle Armi of which you can read in this site. There are, in the town, numerous caves and chasms of considerable speleological interest. Remarkable is the phenomenon of concretions in the cave of Serra del Gufo. The cave of the Nymphs is important for a spa itinerary. From it spring sulphur waters at 30 °, known since the time of Magna Graecia for their therapeutic properties.
