Ferdinand Spring

A markedly salty taste with a composition like the Cross Spring, but more mineralised. Used for the EXCELSIOR bottled water brand. An earthy ferrous mineral water with lower mineral content, high in calcium.

History:

The oldest records about the Usovice waters, which date from the 16th century, deal with a spring, which was later named Ferdinand. It was the first Spring to attract attention to this uninhabited, desolate far-off border forest. From the 16th century, it has often been used in the production of salt - with unusual effects - here they didn't produce cooking salt (which is always necessary) but laxative salt.

Professor Steinmann's chemical analysis demonstrated that the main component was  Sodium Sulphate. It was also later analyzed by: Jons Jacob Berzelius, the famous Swedish chemist who discovered iodine in water, lithium and strontium (1825).

Abbot Reitenberger built a classical colonnade over the Spring in 1826 / 27 instead of the old wooden shed. The Colonnade is a beautiful architectural monument to this day gently fading into the environment of the spa parks.

In 1926, additional sources were detected: Ferdinand VII and VIII. Ferdinand Spring VI, which differed from the other with a very low concentration of solid components, and especially iron (only 2 mg per liter, while the rest around 12 mg), makes an ideal table mineral water due to the high content of absorbed CO ₂. Bottled exclusively under the name "Excelsior". The highest content of CO₂ has no source of Ferdinand VI. Ferdinand I is fully used for drinking cures, Ferdinand from other sources, in addition to Ferdinand VI (Excelsior), are taken into the spa for the preparation of carbon dioxide baths.

Location:

Ferdinand Spring Colonnade

Open:

Freely accessible

How was the spring named:

Ferdinand Springs of which there are now 6, were originally a single source, called Saltyor Úšovický. At the proposal of Reitenberger the Spring was named Kolovrat in 1819, but the governor of Kolovrat didn't want the title and suggested naming it Karel in honour of the Abbot. Finally, the spring was named after King Ferdinand, who is first mentioned in records about the Spring from 1528.

Ferdinand Spring Colonnade

Úšovice (1826-1827). The oldest surviving classical building. Commissioned by Abbot K.K. Reitenberger. The oldest mineral spring named after King Ferdinand I. who in 1528, explored the area with the goal of finding cooking salt.