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Spa: Belgium's Ancient Health Secret Revealed
12 Feb
Summary
- Belgium's town of Spa is the origin of the global wellness industry.
- Its mineral springs were known since Roman times and documented by Pliny the Elder.
- The town's name likely derives from ancient Germanic words for gushing water.
Long before wellness became a global phenomenon, the Belgian town of Spa was instrumental in shaping European ideas about health and leisure. This elegant town, nestled in the forested hills of eastern Belgium, is reclaiming its historical significance as the birthplace of the modern spa industry.
Spa's mineral springs boast a history dating back to Roman times, with early documentation by Pliny the Elder contributing to its reputation. While popular belief links the name to the Latin "sanitas per aquam," historians suggest a more probable origin in ancient Germanic words for naturally gushing water, adopted by Roman travelers.
Today, visitors can experience this legacy at contemporary thermal complexes like Les Thermes de Spa. The town's deep connection to water and healing continues to draw those seeking health, beauty, and relaxation, cementing its status as the original spa.
