| «Quamdiu ad aquas fuit, numquam est mortuus»1 Italy is home to over 320 thermal centers, 90% of which are accredited by the national healthcare system (SSN). Each year, Italian spas welcome more than 2.79 million visitors, including 12% international tourists. The origins of thermal traditions date back to Antiquity. In Ancient Greece, hot springs were believed to have divine origins and healing powers, as reflected in the works of Hippocrates. However, they reached their peak in Ancient Rome (Latin thermae, from Greek thermós — “hot”), becoming grand public centers. By the 18th century, hydrotherapy evolved from an empirical practice into a rigorously scientific field. The 19th century marked a renaissance of thermal culture — spas became social hubs for the elite, and during the Belle Époque, luxurious spa complexes were built across Europe and the Americas. After World War II, thermalism gained a social wellness status, becoming accessible to broader populations and integrated into national healthcare services. The abbreviation SPA, widely used today, comes from the Latin phrase Salus per Aquam, literally meaning “health through water.” This ancient concept remains relevant and has given rise to the modern wellness industry, based on the healing power of water. |