Thermal waters have been
used for hydrotherapeutic purposes in the Mediterranean region
since ancient times as can be seen from archaeological finds,
literary and scientific writings and numerous epigraphs. These
treatments have, for the most part, been left unaltered over
twenty-four centuries since the age of the ancient Greek philosophers,
through various historical periods, and with the exception
of the introduction of advanced technology. Hippocrates was
a great believer in the use of thermal spas and in his treaty
Use of Liquids he sang the praises of the properties of mineral
waters and hot springs.
As time went by, use of the experimental method led to an
innovative approach in using thermal waters for therapeutic
purposes and new treatments being introduced.
Fortunately, society progressed and the amount of available
financial resources increased among all sections of the population
thus making it possible for everyone to benefit from thermal
treatments. The advantages of these treatments are not only
linked to the waters’ curative properties but also to
the beauty and natural attractions that are a general characteristic
of Italian spas. The idea of treatment also being a means
of recovering energy and physical well-being is quite rightly
connected to the idea of a holiday resort and intelligent
use of leisure time.
In this way the ancient tradition of thermal waters was modernised
and brought up to date. And today more than ever, the use
of new methods has turned it into a fundamental tool of modern
medicine. A specialist guide contains descriptions of the
main treatments used.
Therefore thermal resorts’ success is linked to the
overall quality of life in the spas. Indeed there is no doubt
that the environment plays an important role in treatments
which involve rest or seasonal cures. And a stay which offers
a large range of possibilities both with regard to broadening
cultural and artistic knowledge and the climate is extremely
advisable.
Italian spas can boast outstanding climatic conditions and
are located in areas of great natural beauty. These characteristics
have a positive influence on our body’s balance and
contribute to general physical and mental well-being.
Therefore it is obvious that Italy’s richness in thermal
and mineral waters, combined with the mildness of the climate
and the beauty of the scenery, have made it a favourite venue
for “health care tourism”. Since the last century
hotels with extensive facilities have grown up around spas,
which have established international reputations. Abano, Salsomaggiore,
Chianciano, Montecatini, Fiuggi and Ischia are just a few
of the names among the many which are known throughout the
world and which attract millions of visitors every year.
As we already know, thermal waters have been used in Italy
for therapeutic purposes since the time of the Romans when
thermal waters and baths were a typical feature of town life.
Italian spa resorts’ proximity to great centres of art
means they are perfect bases for cultural excursions. In addition
the splendid parks surrounding the most famous spas and the
facilities and services made available to tourists makes them
ideal holiday resorts in their own right.
Italian spas do not have solely hot water resources to offer
insofar as mineral (“cold”) springs are also used
for drinking purposes. The wealth of hot and mineral springs
in Italy is the result of its particular geological structure
which is rich in volcanic phenomena and permeated, in every
sense of the word, by a dense network of groundwater channels,
in North Italy many spas have sprung up on the Euganei Hills
in Veneto – volcanic highlands where numerous hot springs
gush out. The main form of treatment in this area is mud therapy
recommended for rheumatic illnesses and problems regarding
the respiratory system and female genital organs.
In the city of Abano, a rather strange legend would have
that Phaeton, son of the Sun god, fell to the ground there
with his chariot in flames. His fall caused waters to spring
forth which were able to relieve fatigue and pain (aponon
- hence the name Abano).
Moving further south, there is a series of thermal resorts
in Emilia-Romagna on the foothills of the Apennines. Many
of these (Tabiano, Salsomaggiore, Castrocaro) identify themselves
with their thermal waters to the extent that the word terme
(spa) is part of their official name. The springs have similar
chemical properties (predominantly sulphurous, and often containing
sodium chloride, iodide or bromide). They are recommended
for a wide range of afflictions: metabolic disorders, respiratory
and vascular problems and skin diseases.
Tuscany is another Italian region with a high concentration
of spas whose waters were already in use in ancient times
and are still popular today, including Saturnia, Roselle,
Chianciano and Chiusi. During the last century Tuscan thermal
spas underwent great changes. Resorts such as Montecatini
and Chianciano are no longer exclusive holiday resorts and
have equipped themselves to cater for a growing number of
visitors. Montecatini and Chianciano have gradually become
more and more important and statistics prove the reputation
they have acquired. Montecatini can boast 1,700,000 visitors
per year (a quarter of these coming from abroad) while Chianciano
can boast 1,860,000 visitors per year (180,000 foreigners).
The spa resorts in Lazio are linked to the volcanic activity
which has shaped the morphology of much of the region. Bagni
di Tivoli, on the outskirts of the capital and Fiuggi, further
south, are especially well known. Fiuggi waters are especially
noted for the treatment of kidney stones and their fame has
led to the development of over two hundred and fifty hotels.
In southern Italy the numerous spas forming an arc around
the Gulf of Naples are extremely important. This is one of
the most active volcanic zones in Italy, characterised by
large layers of magma located close to the surface.
Ischia is among the most famous thermal spas in Italy and
abroad. Its radioactive waters are particularly recommended
for arthritis, rheumatism, obesity and metabolic disorders.
Home
italien.com
- webguide for holidays in Italy
