The water that flows beneath the streets of Milan has a history that dates back to antiquity. Its revitalizing properties were recognized by the Romans, who used it in their thermal baths as early as the 2nd century AD. In 1288, Bonvesin de la Riva, in his work De Magnalibus Urbis Mediolani, documented the extraordinary abundance and quality of the waters found beneath the city, praising them for their purity and benefits. The thermal waters were re-evaluated and studied in the following centuries, including in the form of modern-day scientific analyses. Today, thanks to technology and hydrogeological studies, De Montel Terme Milano has brought this age-old legacy back to life, offering an exclusive wellness experience to 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 tradition of thermal baths, which dates back to Roman times. In the 1930s, the people of Milan were already well aware of the beneficial properties of “Acqua Marcia,” a spring that, despite its characteristic sulfurous aroma, was believed to be an elixir of well-being. The first chemical analyses, conducted in 1927 by Formenti and Scipiotti, revealed that this was not sulfur water, but rather water with a low mineral content and unique characteristics. Subsequent studies, including one by Professor Bragagnolo in 1947, confirmed the mineralization process spanning over a thousand years and therapeutic properties of these waters.

During the 19th century, hydrogeological studies were conducted to explore Milan’s subsoil in depth for the first time, revealing the existence of aquifers with extraordinary purity. This process culminated in 1927, when the first official analyses confirmed the unique properties of “Acqua Marcia,” proving that its mineralization was the result of a geological evolution spanning over a thousand years. In 1947, further scientific research corroborated these findings, testifying to the therapeutic value of these waters.

The water at De Montel Terme Milano has undergone over a thousand years of filtration through deep geological layers, guaranteeing its absolute purity. It has total dissolved solids (TDS) of 204 mg/L, classifying it as low-mineral water, perfect for hydrating, balancing and rejuvenating the skin. Its low ionic strength is optimal for cellular exchange, contributing to healthier skin and stimulating restorative processes.

Official recognition came on January 30, 2023, when the Italian Ministry of Health certified the thermal waters of De Montel Terme Milano as a proven therapeutic resource, citing their suitability for use in balneotherapy to treat skin conditions.

• Scientific studies have shown that the thermal waters of De Montel Terme Milano:
  • Promote skin regeneration, thanks to the presence of essential minerals that promote cell turnover
  • Possess soothing and anti-inflammatory properties useful in the treatment of dermatitis, psoriasis and other skin conditions
  • Provide deep hydration, improving the skin’s elasticity and strengthening the skin barrier
  • Stimulate circulation, thanks to their vasodilatory properties

• The management system for the spa’s thermal waters is a model of technological excellence:
  • Daily change of 30% of the water volume in each pool
  • Cutting-edge filtration and sanitization system
  • Constant monitoring of chemico-physical parameters
  • Regular certified microbiological checks

Today, the former stables of the De Montel family have been transformed into a modern urban thermal spa complex, the largest in Italy, with more than 16,000 sqm of indoor and outdoor space dedicated to wellness. Here, history and innovation intertwine to offer a unique experience:

• Ten thermal pools, with temperatures between 34°C and 38°C, for a rejuvenating experience;
• Plunge pools with a temperature of 22°C, to stimulate circulation;
• State-of-the-art hydrotherapy, with oxygenation systems and therapeutic whirlpools.
• 4 saunas, 1 hammam, 1 steam bath, 9 relaxation areas, for a complete wellness experience.

To make your experience even more exclusive, our specialized medical team is on hand to offer personalized therapy programs, and in our bistro restaurant, cafe or garden bar, wellness takes the form of good food and good company.

The De Montel – Terme Milano thermal baths are a model of urban sustainability, created as part of the “Reinventing Cities” project, an international call for proposals promoted by the City of Milan and the C40 network for the sustainable redevelopment of urban spaces. The project transformed a historic place into a state-of-the-art wellness center with a strong commitment to the environment: solar panels for the generation of renewable energy, reuse of rainwater and offsetting CO₂ emissions through the planting of more than 3,500 trees. An initiative that combines respect for the past with a clear vision for the city’s future.

After being abandoned for decades, the former De Montel stables have finally returned to their splendor, restoring a place full of history and beauty to the city.

Today, this rediscovered sanctuary is ushering in a new era, where the ancient knowledge of water is intertwined with the modern desire for wellness. De Montel – Terme Milano is an invitation to rediscover the value of time, self-care and harmony with the world around us. De Montel – Terme Milano is a place where time slows down and self-care becomes an all-encompassing experience. Here, wellness is celebrated as an authentic and deeply regenerating experience.