Legend has it that the medicinal spring of Rogaška was created by Apollonius, the Sun God, who ordered Pegasus, the winged horse, to strike the earth between Rogatec and Sv. Križ, thus revealing the Roitschocrene spring. This mystical spring is believed to possess miraculous properties, helping people regain their health for centuries.
The first owner of the springs was the parish of the nearby village Sveti Križ, with written records dating back to 1141. In the 17th century, the water gained popularity when Count Petar Zrinski promoted its healing powers. Emperor Charles VI played a significant role in the distribution and sale rights of the water, leading to its widespread popularity.
In the early 19th century, Count Ferdinand Attems initiated a major campaign for the purchase of land around the Rogaška springs to develop a modern, provincial-run spa. By 1869, Rogaška water became the third most sold worldwide water, and it even won a prize at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.
Since then, tourism has been the major player in the area's development. Several hotels were built in the period of rapid growth between 1840 and 1860, and the new railway line Vienna-Trieste (1857) made the resorts more accessible.
Today, Rogaška Slatina continues to enchant visitors with its thermal baths, historic architecture, cultural events, and industrial facilities related to thermal products. The town’s landscape is adorned with elements such as gardens, parks, promenades, greenhouses, prospect towers, farmlands, woods, hills, mountains, rivers, lakes, and coasts. Visitors can explore natural protected areas or historical cultural sites like Zdraviliški Park, Hill Janina, Hill Bellevue, Tržaški Hill, Cvetlini Hill, Ivanov Hill, Krajinski Park Bo, Arboretum Bo, View Tower Janina, View Tower Bo, Tower Crystal, Three Ponds, and the Cacti Pavilion.
Named after the ancient Roman settlement of Ad Fontes, which means “the source” Donat water is believed to have been prized by emperors and aristocrats for its purported healing virtues.
Donat mineral water is known for its unique composition, particularly its high magnesium content. The typical composition of Donat Mg mineral water per liter is as follows:
- Magnesium (Mg): Approximately 1,040 mg
- Other minerals and trace elements, including calcium, potassium, sodium, bicarbonates, sulfates, and chlorides.
