The return of Naples’ suffregna water: a recovered historical and natural heritage

In Naples, among the most deeply rooted traditions and elements that tell the city’s thousand-year history, there is a resource that has survived the centuries, becoming a symbol of health and well-being: suffregna water. Also known as “acqua delle mummare” or “acqua del Chiatamone”, this naturally sparkling sulphurous water flows from a spring located in the Santa Lucia district. Once highly prized and widespread, suffregna water was considered particularly beneficial for its healing properties, especially for combating anaemia and iron deficiency.

The sulphurous water, with its particular chemical composition, is distinguished by its slightly effervescent taste, which once made it particularly popular with those seeking a natural source of relief for iron deficiency disorders. Historical and popular accounts tell us how the “mummare”, women who sold this water directly from the springs in Naples, spread knowledge of its beneficial properties, contributing to its fame throughout the city.

A historic discovery: the Suffregna water source reopens its doors

Over the years, the spring that gave rise to the Suffregna water had fallen into oblivion, but an incredible discovery has brought to light one of the most fascinating corners of Naples’ history. On 11 June, the rediscovery of the Suffregna water source was announced, after more than fifty years of neglect. The spring, located in Via Chiatamone, was the subject of a rediscovery project involving the ABC (Special Agency for the Management of the Naples Aqueduct), the Architettura Nomade (LAN) laboratory, the coordinating structure of the CoolCity Network, and cultural committees such as Hydrosòphia. On 4 June, the Suffregna water source was returned to the Municipality of Naples.

Thanks to a long process of investigation and restoration, the Suffregna water underwent rigorous quality tests, which certified its potability and suitability for both tourist and consumer use. This result represents an extraordinary opportunity for Naples, as the Suffregna water can once again become an attraction for visitors and, at the same time, an element of a return to the roots of Neapolitan tradition.

Future prospects: tourism and consumption

The discovery of the Suffregna water source is not only a historical fact, but also a resource for the future of the city. Tests conducted by ABC have confirmed that the water can be used for both drinking and tourism purposes, thus opening the door to new opportunities for the Santa Lucia district and the whole of Naples. Not only will it be possible to recover a piece of history, but the water could also become a tourist attraction, drawing in curious visitors and enthusiasts of culture and tradition.

A return to our roots

Today, as in the past, Suffregna water represents not only a natural resource but also a symbol of resilience and a deep connection with the local area. The rediscovery of its source, together with the possibility of using it, invites us to reflect on the history of Naples, its traditions and the value of preserving the city’s cultural and natural heritage. The rediscovery of the aqueduct is not only a victory for history enthusiasts, but also a sign of how much the city of Naples is still capable of surprising us, bringing to light a piece of its past that, today, also becomes an opportunity for the future.

The historic centre of Naples: a journey through history, culture and underground

The historic centre of Naples is a veritable treasure trove, where every corner tells centuries of history and tradition. Strolling through its streets, among narrow alleys and lively squares, you find yourself immersed in a unique atmosphere that blends modernity with memories of a past rooted in antiquity. From the majestic Cathedral of San Gennaro, symbol of Neapolitan devotion, to Spaccanapoli, the main artery that divides the heart of the city, every step reveals a new chapter in Neapolitan history.

But if you want to discover Naples in all its depth, you also need to look beneath the surface. An unmissable experience is offered by Napoli Sotterranea, a fascinating journey that reveals the secrets hidden beneath visitors’ feet. This incredible system of tunnels, galleries and catacombs extends for kilometres beneath the city and has its origins in the Greco-Roman era. Its stories, ranging from the construction of aqueducts to defence during the Second World War, offer a unique and evocative insight into the city, revealing how Naples is a city that lives and breathes on multiple levels.

Exploring Underground Naples means travelling back in time, rediscovering the ancient city, the one that cannot be seen but has always been an integral part of everyday life. This experience adds a unique dimension to a visit to Naples, where the past and present intertwine in a fascinating mosaic of culture, art and history. The rediscovery of the suffregna water fits perfectly into this context of enhancing and rediscovering Neapolitan heritage, which also extends into the underground labyrinth of the city, where centuries of legends and forgotten truths lie hidden.