Geschichte der Terme di Rabbi

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Rabbi’s thermal springs first appear in the historical record as iron-rich acidulous waters: naturally effervescent waters with a high concentration of carbon dioxide and iron. Their discovery and therapeutic use were not the result of a single event, but of a gradual process of observation, experimentation and knowledge passed down over time.

17th century — The earliest evidence of therapeutic use

1660 — “To drink the salty water”

One of the earliest accounts is associated with the Thun family. In a letter written in 1660, Sigismondo Ercole Thun records his intention to travel to Rabbi “to drink the salty water, as my physician has advised me”.

Though brief, this is a significant reference: the water was sought for therapeutic purposes on medical advice, documenting its use as a treatment in the early modern period.

18th century — From experience to science

1777 — Scientific recognition

In 1777, physician and naturalist Johann Heinrich Nepomuk von Crantz included Rabbi in his survey of the healing springs of the Habsburg Monarchy, dedicated to Empress Maria Theresa of Austria.

The water was classified as iron-rich and acidulous and compared with the leading European spa destinations, marking the scientific recognition of Rabbi’s springs.

1795 — A “glorious visit”

In 1795, Archduchess Maria Elisabetta d’Austria, Abbess of the Imperial and Royal Chapter of Noble Ladies in Innsbruck, stayed with the Dal Lago family in Cles and visited “our Valleys”.

Historian Jacopo Antonio de Maffei writes “Our Valleys were honoured by a glorious visit [...]. Archduchess Maria Elisabetta d’Austria, Abbess of the Imperial and Royal Chapter of Noble Ladies in Innsbruck, resolved to see them. Leaving her residence at the end of August 1795, accompanied by her chamberlain, Count Leopoldo di Spaur, and a suitable retinue, she reached the town of Cles at six in the evening on the first of September and lodged at the home of Signor Lorenzo dal Lago. A great crowd gathered from every social class, an unusual sight in these Valleys, and every effort was made to provide such entertainment as the town could offer. After staying for a few days, the Archduchess left several gifts, and all were delighted by her gracious manner. At four in the morning on the tenth of that same month, she resumed her journey back to Innsbruck.”

19th century — Scholars and travellers

During the 19th century, Terme di Rabbi became a destination for scholars and travellers. In Il Bel Paese (1876), Antonio Stoppani described the Bagni di Rabbi as a place of respite and personal benefit.

A few years earlier, mountaineer and explorer Douglas William Freshfield had brought Val di Rabbi to the attention of Europe’s educated public as one of the Alps’ notable destinations.

20th century — Modern analysis and the cultural image of the spa

1912–1913 — Modern scientific analysis

Josef Zehenter published a detailed analysis of Rabbi’s Antica Fonte, documenting its composition and characteristics through scientific methods.

This marked the transition from empirical medical tradition to modern scientific balneology.

Oral tradition — The legend of Bastianèl dei Micli

Alongside its documented history, the valley preserves the legend of Bastianèl, a young shepherd from the Micli family who is said to have recognised the virtues of the water after noticing the improved condition of his sheep.

Although unsupported by contemporary sources, this oral tradition remains deeply rooted in the identity of the valley.

A living heritage

Today, Terme di Rabbi carries this long history forward, bringing historical and scientific knowledge together with a contemporary approach to wellbeing that respects nature, water and alpine thermal culture.