Miraculous water
The Roman Spring is a natural mineral water that is exceptionally rich in iron. It originates in the Kotlje Valley at an altitude of 510 meters, right at the foot of Mount Uršlja.
Beneficial and also medicinal?
As early as the 15th century, the locals were familiar with the beneficial and medicinal effects of the “sour water.” At that time, the spring was merely a stone-lined pit, so one had to kneel to draw water, thereby showing respect for the water.
In the 19th century, it was internationally recognized and known as the “Carinthian Roman Spring.” In 1972, the Ministry of Health defined the mineral water from the Roman Spring and Kotlje as a natural remedy and, under the conditions stipulated by law, as usable for health purposes. It was especially recommended for the treatment of:
- Nervous disorders
- Anemia
- Diseases of the digestive tract and mucous membranes
- Bladder and kidneys
- Throat and respiratory tract
- Anorexia
The water that the emperor himself supposedly drank
In the 19th century, mineral water from the Roman Spring was considered the best table water in Graz and Vienna restaurants, and it was even sold in Vienna pharmacies. It was exported to all major cities of Austria-Hungary and to England. It was bottled manually, and its distinctive symbol was the edelweiss flower. Emperor Franz Joseph himself is said to have drunk this water.
The locals drank it straight from the spring and carried it to their homes. Later, children of ironworkers from near and far also came for the water.
Water resources – our wealth
We are aware that with the project to revive the Roman Spring tourist complex, we are also bearers and preservers of our Carinthian natural and cultural heritage. We want generations to come to know what has happened in this area in past years and how local people have been drinking this “sour water” for decades or centuries because of its beneficial effects. And above all, that we will know how to preserve this precious water gem.
KaraWAT Cross-border project
In 2021 and 2022, we were involved in the international project KaraWAT – Strategy for sustainable management of water resources in the Karavanke UNESCO Global Geopark.
As part of the project, the Geological Survey of Slovenia carried out field measurements of the properties of mineral water in Kotlje, research into its composition, and a review of the condition of existing boreholes.
