Italian Natural Mineral Water from Tuscany - The Sorgente Story

In the picturesque heart of Chianciano Terme, Tuscany, lies a source that spans millennia. At the Sorgente Sant'Elena thermal park, two Natural Mineral Waters emerge, each carrying centuries of Italian heritage in every bottle.

Ancient Beginnings - The Etruscans to The Romans

According to Roman writings, Chianciano Terme was known by the Etruscan civilisation, who built a temple for their God of Health just steps away from what is now the Sant'Elena site. The therapeutic properties of these waters were no secret to ancient peoples, they understood what modern science would later confirm.

The healing powers of Chianciano's waters became renowned in Roman society. Their reputation was so significant that the legendary Roman lyrical poet Horace visited the thermal baths on the advice of physicians serving Caesar Augustus. This royal endorsement established a tradition of elite recognition that would continue for centuries.

1756 Documentation and Sacred Origins 

The Sant'Elena springs were first officially documented in 1756. The source received its name in honour of the nearby Chapel of Sant'Elena, paying tribute to the legend of Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. According to tradition, Helena discovered the therapeutic properties of water when returning from one of her voyages.

This connection to Saint Helena adds a layer of spiritual significance to the springs, linking the waters not just to physical healing but to the broader story of discovery and pilgrimage that has characterised thermal culture throughout history.

1925 Modern Foundation and International Recognition

In 1925, Sant'Elena was officially founded as both a spa and luxury bottled water source. This wasn't just a commercial venture but the formalisation of centuries of tradition into a modern operation that could serve the growing international appreciation for Italian culture.

The quality and reputation of Sant'Elena was recognised worldwide. In 1925, the same year of its official founding, the spring was awarded a gold medal at the II International Fair in Brussels. This international recognition established Sant'Elena as not just a local treasure but a water of global significance.

Sant'Elena - The Historic Water

Sant'Elena Natural Mineral Water emerged as the flagship water of this park. With a medium minerality (TDS of 451mg/L) and balanced pH of 7.4, it offered the perfect introduction to the unique character of Chianciano Terme's springs. The water contains 345mg/L of bicarbonates, 140mg/L of calcium, and 18mg/L of magnesium, creating its distinctive crisp taste with a subtle hint of sweetness.

What makes Sant'Elena particularly interesting is its pH of 7.4 - the same level as human blood. This creates a harmonious interaction with the body upon consumption. The mineral composition, featuring bicarbonate and sodium, gives the water its alkaline properties while maintaining drinkability.

The fusion between Sant'Elena's alkaline pH and the presence of calcium and magnesium creates beneficial properties that helps to inhibit kidney stone formation and support their removal. Through its alkaline pH, Sant'Elena may also stimulate liver cells and enable normal liver function. The water's moderate diuretic properties strengthen the functionality of the prostate and urinary tract, making it valuable in the prevention of many associated ailments.

The Discovery of Marzia

Marzia Natural Mineral Water is the more recent offering from the Sant’Elena thermal water park. With a TDS of 1372mg/L, Marzia offers a dramatically different experience. It contains 315mg/L of calcium, 100mg/L of magnesium, and 571mg/L of bicarbonates. What makes Marzia unique is that despite this exceptionally high mineral content, it emerges naturally still from the spring, a rarer characteristic in the world of mineral waters.

Marzia's mineral profile places it in a classification that has therapeutic properties. The high calcium content gives Marzia its distinctive smooth and creamy mouthfeel, creating an entirely different drinking experience from its sister water.

The magnesium in Marzia stimulates the calcitonin hormone, which increases the renal excretion of phosphorus and stimulates the reabsorption of calcium, favouring its deposition in the bones and promoting calcium's health benefits while helping to prevent osteoporosis, arthritis and kidney stone formation. The water's low sodium content (13mg/L) suits individuals managing sodium intake, particularly those with hypertension or heart conditions.

From Thermal Park to Your Table

Both Sant'Elena and Marzia are bottled directly at their source within the thermal park, preserving their natural composition and the integrity that has been maintained since ancient times. No artificial manipulation, no added minerals - just the waters as nature and geology have created them. This approach honours both the ancient appreciation and modern standards for Natural Mineral Water excellence.

Tuscany's Best Kept Secret, Now Revealed

Until recently, Sant'Elena and Marzia were what their producers describe as "the best kept secret of Tuscany, reserved for those who could access it". For decades, these exceptional waters were primarily available to spa visitors and local connoisseurs who understood their unique qualities.

Now, through our partnership, these hidden gems of Italian heritage are becoming available to Aqua Amore customers.

It's an opportunity to understand why generations of Tuscans have treasured these springs, and to discover how geography and history combine to create waters of distinctive character.

Whether you choose Sant'Elena's balanced refreshment or Marzia's rich complexity, you're participating in a tradition that continues to flow from the Tuscan hills to your glass.

Sant'Elena is available in still and Marzia in both still and sparkling varieties. Discover the Sorgente collection today.