I was born and raised in Fiuggi, a wellness resort town about 50 miles from Rome.
For centuries, Fiuggi has been known for its volcanic spring water—praised for its ability to cleanse, heal, and restore vitality. Even today, people come from around the world to experience its natural springs, celebrated for their purifying, detoxifying, and kidney-healing properties.

A Note on My Name

People often ask me, “Did you change your last name to Paris?”
It’s a fair question. Many immigrants did just that to fit in. But my name is real—and it’s rooted in deep history.
Paris is a surname with ancient origins, found in the heart of Italy—from Lazio to Tuscany and up to Bergamo. It may come from “Parisio,” a name passed down through artisan families, or perhaps even from Paris, prince of Troy—whose legendary decision sparked the Trojan War.
Fiuggi, nestled just south-east of Rome—not far from Gaeta, where legend says Aeneas, the mythical founder of the Roman people, came ashore after Troy’s collapse, carrying his father and son toward a new destiny.
Is likelytThat blend of loss, legacy, and resilience—that deep Roman heritage—lives in my bones. And now, it shapes this system. Read the 1-minute bio →
 

The Water of Wellness

Fiuggi water is naturally oligomineral, with a soft, neutral taste. It’s diuretic, detoxifying, and purifying—making it a trusted ally for those seeking better health. Locals drink it daily, while visitors enjoy it as part of therapeutic spa programs. Bottled right at the source, its qualities remain untouched, just as nature intended.

A Legacy That Spans Centuries

Fiuggi’s reputation stretches back to the Roman Empire, when emperors and philosophers alike turned to its waters:

• Augustus relied on it for digestive and kidney relief.

• Tiberius sought it for strength and longevity.

• Cicero praised its restorative powers in his writings.

In the 14th century, Pope Boniface VIII credited Fiuggi with curing his kidney stones, while Michelangelo famously said it healed him of a “stone I couldn’t love.”
 

A Magnet for Icons

Over the centuries, Fiuggi’s springs have drawn artists, writers, leaders, and celebrities seeking rejuvenation:

• Writers like Henry James, Thomas Mann, and Truman Capote.

• Legends of stage and screen—Sophia Loren, Anthony Quinn, Ingrid Bergman, Pablo Picasso, and Princess Diana.

• Modern icons including Oprah Winfrey (who called her 2023 stay at Palazzo Fiuggi “the best spa experience of my life”), Mick Jagger, Sharon Stone, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

More Than Wellness—A Place in History

Fiuggi even played a pivotal role in shaping world events. During World War I, it hosted key negotiations leading to the 1915 Fiuggi Agreement, influencing Italy’s entry into the war.

From ancient emperors to modern icons,
Fiuggi has always been a place where history, health, and renewal meet. It’s no coincidence that the RockyStepsWay began here—in a town where wellness is part of life, legacy, and identity.