Sources of Precious Water - Sources of Precious Water

The “waters” frequented by saints and poets
 Near Acquasparta — a name that evokes a land “divided” between springs — the Amerino Springs (also known as the Thermal Baths of Saint Francis) represent a crossroads of history, spirituality, and hydrological science. Already praised by Pliny the Younger in the 1st century AD, their therapeutic fame was truly consecrated in 1213 by Saint Francis of Assisi. Gravely ill at the time, he found healing here and founded a hospitium, turning these waters into a place of care and hospitality.

The water that feeds the thermal baths rises from the so-called Springs of Saint Francis, a secluded and solitary spot between two cliffs, nestled among olive trees. According to tradition, it was here that the friar from Assisi would retreat in prayer. These are oligomineral waters, rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

From “golden water” to the Belle Époque legend
Described as aqua aurea (golden water) in 1729 by physician Joseph Antonius Cornelius for its exceptional properties, “Amerino” became in the 20th century a symbol of thermal elegance. The spa, inaugurated in 1909, and the Grande Albergo Amerino (1911) — with its futuristic luxuries — attracted the cultural elite of the day. Among its devotees was Gabriele D'Annunzio, who always kept a personalized bottle on his desk, labeled “Special edition for Gabriele D’Annunzio.” Some bottles are still on display in the poet’s house-museum at the Vittoriale degli Italiani in Gardone Riviera.

The ideal place to “take the waters”
 Seven hectares of thermal parkland immersed in lush, flourishing nature, where two of Italy’s most renowned medicinal springs flow: Sangemini and Fabia. The Parco della Fonte di San Gemini, located about two and a half kilometers from the Umbrian village, is truly a place that refreshes both body and spirit.
 Open from 1 June to 1 October, the beautiful park offers the chance to stroll in the cool shade, playgrounds for children, a mini-golf course, and a range of cultural and musical events. Scattered throughout the area are numerous fountains where visitors can drink this water so precious to health.
 The virtues of these springs were already known to the Romans, and Antonio Canova — who owned a house here — was a great admirer. But it was in 1838 that the Prior of San Gemini officially requested permission from the Papal State to exploit the springs. Analyses by the University of Perugia confirmed their benefits, and authorization was granted in 1840. The park, however, did not open until 1889 — as the inscription at the entrance still recalls.
 In the early 20th century, San Gemini became a renowned spa destination, on par with Montecatini and Salsomaggiore. People would come here to “take the waters”: to drink from the source, stroll, and rejuvenate — a tradition that continues to this day, amidst peace and nature.
 Sangemini water is naturally sparkling, with three times more calcium than other mineral waters, has a low sodium content, and is rich in bicarbonates. This makes it particularly beneficial for bone health and osteoporosis prevention, for those with digestive issues, and for regulating the body’s acidity levels.

From Pliny the Younger’s accounts to Calderini’s eclecticism

Just a few kilometers from Città di Castello, nestled in an ancient forest, stands the thermal complex of Fontecchio — the oldest spa facility in Umbria. Its fame dates back to antiquity, when Pliny the Younger visited it with his wife Calpurnia, describing it in his letters as a retreat of rare beauty.
 After centuries of abandonment, in 1586 the physician from Arezzo, Sebastiano Magi, studied the waters and confirmed their therapeutic properties. But it wasn’t until 1860, following the discovery of the ruins of the ancient baths, that a group of local citizens decided to build a modern spa complex. The project was entrusted to Guglielmo Calderini, a renowned architect famous for Rome’s Palace of Justice, whose eclectic style also marks Fontecchio: an elegant blend of neo-Renaissance elements and thermal functionality.
 Inaugurated in 1868, the spa quickly became a landmark for health treatments, holidays, and high society, maintaining its status well into the 20th century, up until its agreement with the Italian National Health Service. Today, the complex is closed for renovation works and is set to reopen in spring 2026.
 The baths are fed by two springs — one sulphurous and the other rich in salt, bromine, and iodine. These waters are effective both for anti-inflammatory purposes and for treating skin conditions, respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, and joint problems. Treatments include therapeutic drinking, baths, inhalations, hydromassage, and mud therapy. The complex also features a spa and wellness centre.