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Revision as of 20:32, 24 July 2006 by Tankred (talk | contribs) (→History: link to copper)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Špania Dolina is a municipality in central Slovakia, near the city of Banská Bystrica. Although its permanent population does not exceed 200 people, a picturesque historic village, situated 728 m above the sea level and surrounded by the Low Tatra and Greater Fatra mountains, became a popular recreation center.
History
The prehistoric mining tools excavated in the territory of Špania Dolina are dated as early as 2000-1700 BC. However, the first written reference to the village itself appeared only in 1254. Abundant deposits of copper were exploited first by miners from Banská Bystrica and since 1494 by one of the first multinational corporations, founded by the affluent Fugger and Thurzo families. The ancient tradition of making bobbin laces lead to the establishment of a bobbin laces craft school in 1883. The copper mines were closed down in 1888 and the economy of the village is now based on tourism.
Landmarsk
Covered stairway leads to a fortified church, built in the Gothic and Renaissance styles. Wooden miners' houses, now reconstructed, were originally built in the 17th and 18th centuries. The so-called "Knocker" from the 16th century served as a special bell tower for miners. Ancient shafts and other technical monuments are scattered in the nearby forests. Špania Dolina is also a hub of hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing trails.
