Healing Waters in the Italian Alps: Is Lurisia the Ultimate Spa for Anti-Inflammatory Treatments?
The Terme di Lurisia are renowned for their radioactivity and anti-inflammatory effects, making them one of the most unique thermal spas in Italy.
The Lurisia hydrothermal complex is located in Piedmont, in the province of Cuneo, just minutes from Mondovì. Situated at over 700 meters above sea level, the area is known for its abundant and pure spring waters, famous across Italy not only for their therapeutic benefits but also for a popular line of table waters and flavored drinks derived from these mineral-rich sources.
At Terme di Lurisia, thermal waters are used for multiple therapeutic purposes, including:
- Hydropinic therapy (drinking the water for internal benefits)
- Inhalation treatments
- Therapeutic baths in pools and tubs
History of the Spa
The discovery of Lurisia’s healing springs dates back to 1900, when a miner working inside the Nivolano Cave accidentally uncovered a spring while extracting stone slabs known as lose.
Miners soon began using the water from the cave to clean wounds and abrasions, noticing that it not only disinfected them but also accelerated healing. This empirical discovery was later confirmed by scientific research, including prestigious chemical-physical analyses.
Among the most important investigations were those led by Madame Curie, who visited Lurisia in August 1918 at the invitation of the Italian government to confirm the radioactive properties and therapeutic benefits of the water.
The official use of Lurisia’s waters began thanks to two Ligurian entrepreneurs, Sciaccaluga and Garbarino, who decided to tap into the springs by drilling into the old mining tunnels. The two main springs were named:
- Santa Barbara, after the patron saint of miners
- Garbarino, in honor of one of the founders
The spa complex, completed on July 1, 1940, became a destination for prestigious visitors, including President of the Republic Giovanni Gronchi, architect Giò Ponti, and renowned radiologist Professor Cignolini from Genoa Hospital.
Thermal Waters and Treatments
The Lurisia spa draws water from two distinct sources:
Santa Barbara Spring
- Minimally mineralized, making it light to drink
- Highly purifying and diuretic
- Neutral pH
- Flows at 9°C
- Fixed residue: only 36 mg/L
This water is recommended for:
- Hydropinic therapy (internal treatment through drinking)
- Preventing and eliminating urinary calculi (kidney stones)
- Reducing the recurrence of cystitis
Garbarino Spring
- Oligomineral water with anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties
- Flows at 9°C (hypothermal)
- Rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, lithium, sodium, potassium
- Notable for its radioemissive properties
This water has various therapeutic uses, including:
- Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative effects
- Treatment of chronic gout and hyperuricemia (by aiding uric acid elimination)
- Mud-balneotherapy for musculoskeletal conditions
- Relief for skin conditions such as psoriasis and chronic dermatitis
- Inhalation therapy to support immune function and treat chronic respiratory conditions
Useful Information for Visiting the Spa
Address, Telephone, and Official Website
📍 Terme di Lurisia
📍 Via Delle Terme, 60, 12088 Lurisia (Cuneo), Italy
📞 +39 0174 683421
🌍 termedilurisia.com
How to Get There
- By Car: From Cuneo, take the SP5 (via Spinetta and Peveragno) or SP564 (via Colombero and Beinette) for approximately 20 km.
- By Public Transport:
- Take bus line 176 from Cuneo to Mondovì, then transfer to bus line 99 to Lurisia.
