The ancients affirmed that contact with the water of the Sale transformed everything into stone. The first verification of the particular properties which in that area characterised not the water of the river, but the thermo-mineral springs present in the area which took the name of Baths of Contursi (Bagni di Contursi), south and downstream of the hill of the city, in full river reserve with its luxuriant vegetation of white poplars, willows and holm oaks.
Their healing properties where rapidly noticed by the Romans, mentioned by Virgil, Strabo and Pliny the Elder. There are eleven springs which provide health well-being to those frequenting the thermal establishments and the spas of Contursi. Sulphurous and calcium carbonate, the waters are used for mud and bath therapy and aerosol. The Cantani Spring with its 42 degrees is the richest in carbonic acid in Europe. The Volpacchio spring gives alkaline bicarbonate mineral water at 12 degrees. The Radium Spring at 32 degrees is indicated especially for the skin diseases, while the Sant’Antonio gushes at 42 degrees, and then the Pruno Sottano Spring, the Prodigiosa Spring and the Lauro Spring. The water of the Spring of Sant’Antonio al Monte at 42 degrees is also bottled and distributed in Italy and abroad. The ones of the Ferrata I and Ferrata II Springs is sparkling and rich in iron as its name mentions (“ferro” means “iron”) and the spring of Don Carlo calcium bicarbonate can be diuretic and is recommended for low sodium diets. Each one has characteristics particularly indicated for different types of pathologies (respiratory, gastrointestinal, genital, dermatitis, arthritis and arthrotis), for the rehabilitation after trauma and for skin care and wellness.
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