Memorial bench for Ignacy Fonberg

Ignacy Fonberg (1801-1891) – Vilnius University professor, chemist, who studied Druskininkai mineral water.

In 1821 Fonberg started working at Vilnius University as an assistant to Andriaus Sniadeckis in the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy. In 1825 he became a master of philosophy, in 1829 became a professor of the Department of Chemistry.

In 1830 he conducted research on Druskininkai mineral waters.

It was I. Fonberg’s research into the chemical composition of the mineral water of the Druskininkai springs that was a major impetus for the development of spa treatment in Druskininkai.

I. Fonberg not only studied mineral water, but also prepared a report about it, which in 1835 read at the Vilnius Academy of Medicine and Surgery and, after expanding it, published it in the same year.

On the initiative of I. Fonberg, Druskininkai health resort project was prepared.

I. Fonberg never lived in Druskininkai, but his works are particularly significant for the Druskininkai even today. The research of Druskininkai mineral waters carried out by the scientist was a great impetus for the development of spa treatment in Druskininkai. That is why the memorial bench was built in Gydykla (health resort) park, near the mineral water bivouette.