THE THERMAL BATHS RENAISSANCE:

The secret water of Milan

Milan's groundwater has a history rooted in antiquity. As early as the 2nd century A.D., the Romans appreciated its regenerative properties, using it in their spa practices. In 1288, Bonvesin de la Rivain its De Magnalibus Urbis Mediolanidocumented the extraordinary abundance and quality of the waters present beneath the city, praising their purity and benefits. This water heritage was rediscovered and studied over the following centuries, leading up to modern scientific analyses. Today, thanks to hydrogeological studies and technology, Terme De Montel bring this millennial legacy back to life, offering an exclusive wellness experience for those seeking a rejuvenating break in Milan.

The discovery of these waters, among the deepest ever captured in the city, links Milan to its ancient spa tradition dating back to Roman times. As early as the 1930s, the Milanese knew of the beneficial properties of 'Acqua Marcia', a hot spring that, despite its characteristic sulphurous aroma, was considered an elixir of well-being. The first chemical analyses in 1927, conducted by Formenti and Scipiotti, revealed that it was not sulphurous water, but rather oligomineral, with unique characteristics. Subsequent studies, including one by Professor Bragagnolo in 1947, confirmed the millennia-old mineralisation process and the therapeutic properties of these waters.

Chronology of De Montel Terme Milano: history of the spa, from Roman times to its opening in 2025.
Chronology of the history of De Montel Terme Milan, highlighting milestones from Roman times to the opening in 2025.
Infographic: Benefits of minerals for the skin. Calcium, magnesium, bicarbonates, sodium.
The water of Terme De Montel in Milan

A natural resource for well-being

During the 19th century, hydrogeological studies began to explore Milan's subsoil in depth, revealing the existence of aquifers of extraordinary purity. This process culminated in the 1927when the first official analyses confirmed the unique properties of 'Acqua Marcia', showing that its mineralisation had taken place over a geological pathway thousands of years old. In 1947further scientific research corroborated these findings, testifying to the therapeutic value of these waters.

The waters of Terme De Montel originate from a millennia-old filtration process through deep geological layers, which ensures their absolute purity. With a fixed residue of 204 mg/L, they are classified as oligomineral, making them perfect for hydrating, rebalancing, and rejuvenating the skin. Their ionic lightness optimizes cellular exchanges, contributing to dermatological wellness and stimulating natural repair processes

The official recognition came on 30 January 2023, when Ministry of Health certified the thermal waters of Terme De Montel in Milan as validated therapeutic resourceby including them among the waters intended for dermatological balneotherapy.

The properties of the thermal water of Terme De Montel in Milan

The hydrochemical characteristics of this precious resource make it particularly suitable for the well-being of the skin and body:

  • Fixed residue: 204 mg/L, which classifies it as oligomineral
  • pH8.29, a value that helps rebalance the skin barrier
  • magnesium Electrical conductivity265 μS/cm, balanced mineralisation index
  • Ionic compositionrich in calcium, and bicarbonates, essential elements for healthy skin
  • Low sodium contentonly 10 mg/L, making it ideal for low-sodium diets and dermatological treatments

Scientific studies have shown that the thermal water of Terme De Montel promotes:

  • Skin regenerationthanks to the presence of essential minerals that promote cell turnover
  • Soothing and anti-inflammatory effect: useful in the treatment of dermatitis, psoriasis and other skin conditions
  • Deep hydrationimproves skin elasticity and strengthens the skin barrier
  • Stimulation of circulationthanks to its vasodilatory properties
  • Calcium (Ca²): Essential for cell renewal and cohesion of the epidermis.
  • Magnesium (Mg²): Helps reduce oxidative stress and improves the skin's barrier function.
  • Bicarbonates (HCO₃)-): Promotes the skin's pH balance and protects the skin from irritation.
  • Sodium (Na): In low concentrations, it helps maintain hydration without interfering with the cellular osmotic balance.
  • The thermal water management system represents a model of technological excellence:

    • Daily change of 30% water volume in each tank
    • State-of-the-art filtration and sanitisation system
    • Constant monitoring of chemical and physical parameters

    Regular certified microbiological controls

  • Every aspect of the spa experience is subject to strict control protocols:

    • Continuous water quality monitoring
    • Daily sanitisation to a high standard
    • Constant plant maintenance
    • Ongoing training of specialised personnel
DE MONTEL - TERME MILANO

An oasis of relaxation in the heart of the city

Today, the former stables of the De Montel family are transformed into a modern urban thermal baths complex, the largest in Italy, with over 16,000 square metres indoor and outdoor dedicated to wellness. Here, history and innovation meet to offer a unique experience:

  • Ten thermal poolswith temperatures between 34°C and 38°C, for an invigorating immersion;
  • Reaction pools at 22°C, to stimulate circulation;
  • Advanced hydrotherapy spaceswith oxygenation systems and therapeutic whirlpools;
  • 4 saunas, 1 hammam, 1 steam bath, 9 relaxation areas, for all-round well-being.

The experience is made even more exclusive by the presence of aspecialised medical teamwhich offers customised therapeutic programmes, and a food & beverage area with a bistro restaurant, cafeteria and garden bar, where wellness also extends to the pleasure of good food.

Infographic: key data on Milan's secret thermal water, including depth, mineral content, pH, temperature and sustainability initiatives.
Infographic comparing the depth of the De Montel thermal spring in Milan (396 m) with the height of Milan's buildings.

A project guided by sustainability

The Terme De Montel thermal park in Milan is a model of urban sustainability, born within the “Reinventing Cities” initiative, the international competition promoted by the City of Milan and the C40 network for the sustainable redevelopment of urban spaces.

The project transformed a historic site into a state-of-the-art wellness destination with a strong environmental commitment: solar panels for renewable energy production, reuse of rainwater and offsetting CO₂ emissions by planting more than 3,500 trees. An initiative that combines respect for history with a concrete vision for the city's future.

History - Reinvention - Sustainability

De Montel between history and the future

Heritage, destination, sustainable project for Milan and the world

What are Terme De Montel for the city and the world? A historical and architectural heritage, a destination that never existed before, an example of sustainable urban regeneration, and a high-value initiative that connects the past, present, and future.