Acqua suffregna in Naples, the historic spring returns. What it is and where it is located
A Napoli, under the Monte Echia in the Santa Luci districta, the ancient water has started flowing again suffregna water, also known as water iron. It's about a precious natural and cultural resourcea, which for over fifty years had disappeared from city life. The recovery of the source, carried out by ABC Naples with the support of civic committees and associations, marks an important step towards the rediscovery of Neapolitan water traditions. But what does “acqua suffregna” mean and why is it so important for the city?
But what does Suffregna water mean?
The suffregna water is a natural source of ferruginous water, that is, rich in iron and mineral saltsThe term “suffregna” derives from the Latin suffragan, which indicated what helped or supported. This is not common drinking water: for centuries it has been used in Naples for its alleged beneficial and digestive properties, being consumed directly at the source. The metallic flavor and the light effervescence made it unmistakable.
The peculiarity of Suffregna water is that It cannot be bottled: for chemical and conservation reasons, it loses its characteristics outside the source environment. For this reason it was historically collected in “mummarelle”, typical Neapolitan terracotta amphorae which kept it fresh and protected from the light.
Where exactly is the source located and why did it disappear?
The source is located under the Monte Echia, in an area once filled with caves and aquifers. The site is known as Let's call them, a name that derives from the Greek platamon, referring to coastal rocks dug by caves. The waters of the Chiatamone were already famous in the Greco-Roman era and are part of the hydrogeological heritage of Naples
After the unification of Italy, with the concession of the springs to private individuals and the construction of hotels along the coast, popular access to the Suffregna water was progressively reduced. The spring was finally sealed in 1973, under the pretext of a possible connection with the cholera epidemic. For fifty years it remained forgotten, until a long work of recovery and research allowed its reopening.
The Recovery Project: Who Made It Possible
The reactivation of the Suffregna water is the result of a collective effort. The intervention was promoted by ABC Naples, the Special Public Water Company, in collaboration with:
- Hydrosòphia Committee
- Committee of Santa Maria of Portosalvo
- Lan – Nomadic Architecture Laboratory
- World School Association
The work also involved the Superintendence and the Municipality's Heritage Office. On February 13, 2025, after four years of studies and work, the water began to flow again.
Mummarelle and popular culture: the return of a tradition
The "mummies" are the terracotta amphorae used to collect and store the suffregna water. The name derives from the Neapolitan mumma, which indicates the wide-bellied container with a lid. In the past, the kiosks that sold them were run by local families, particularly in the Santa Lucia neighborhood.
Today that knowledge is being recovered. The aim is not only to redistribute water to the city, but also relaunch a piece of collective identity. The descendants of those who once ran the stalls are once again becoming protagonists of a unique cultural and social chain.
What is the current goal?
The promoters' objective is twofold:
- Ensure free and public access at the source, as per ancient historical edicts
- Nominate Naples' Spring Water System for UNESCO Heritage
Suffregna water is not only a natural product, but a symbol of urban resistance, historical memory and the connection between city and territory. Its return opens up new forms of cultural tourism, environmental sustainability and social cohesion.