The properties of S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water were renowned as early as the 12th century. Legend has it that Leonardo da Vinci visited the source while living in Milan. The use of the water for therapeutic treatment did not begin until the 18th century, due to the difficulties in reaching its remote location. In 1842, the town decided to sell 75 percent of the spring to Ester Palazzolo, on the condition that the remaining share be given to the residents of San Pellegrino Terme, who could draw the water from an external tap free of charge. This is still done today. In 1899, the spring was purchased by Societá Anonima delle Terme di San Pellegrino who managed the activities of the spas and the bottling of water. S. PellegrinoSparkling Natural Mineral Water flows from a thermal spring at the foot of a Dolomite mountain wall towering above the Brembo river in the Italian Alps. The town of San Pellegrino Terme is located near Bergamo some 70 kilometers northeast of Milan. The sources for S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water are three deep springs which emerge at 69.8 degrees F. The waters come from an aquifer 1,300 feet below the surface, where limestone and volcanic rocks impart unique minerals and trace elements. The geological and morphological structure of the San Pellegrino Terme area is highly favorable for the formation of the mineral water basin.