The unifying element of the Umbrian landscape is represented by a system of low hills and flood plains that run across the region from north to south (valley of the Tiber, Umbrian hills) deriving principally from the lakebed of what was originally the ancient “Tiberian Lake” bordered by a principal mountain chain. Because of its heterogeneous characteristics and the diversity of its permeability, this terrain assumes great importance from a hydrogeological point of view, functioning as a reservoir for the waters which infiltrate the plains and the adjacent calcified rocky terrain. The sandy and pebbly lake deposits, as well as the travertine present in the underground basin, efficiently house the water resources which have acquired a wide variety of mineral properties, often of great value relative to the rocks over which they have passed, and the path they have followed, as well as the length of time they have remained underground. This process takes place in a very concentrated manner in the area between San Gemini and Villa San Faustino, at the foot of the Martani Mountains.

The natural mineral waters that are plentiful in this area are partially fed from the most efficient water infiltrations which are directed to the lake deposits (as for the Fabia Aura, Amerino Waters) and partially fed by the calcified wind-swept mountains that are helped by the activity of the faults, as well as the complex web of fractures which host authentic rivers, ducts and deep lakes in their “bellies”. These waters, originating from carbon-rich veins, arrive at the surface at the base of the mountain with unexpected oligomineral notes. This is due to its brief moments of contact with rocks which contain (as at Gualdo Tadino), these minerals, and which provide water with further mineralization in proportion to the length of contact. This longer contact may further result in effervescence due to the presence of carbon dioxide which has its origins deep below the earth’s surface. This carbon dioxide rises through the faults which border the large boulders at the mountain’s base, and which there dissolve in the water (as is the case with Sangemini and San Faustino).

Project by Gabriella Belisario, Ivan Demenego, Giulio Somma.

Text: Gabriella Belisario, Filippo Belisario

Pictures: Ivan Demenego

"Le Acque dei Cesari" is a European Trademark reg: n.5246426