Prehistoric mining tools excavated in the territory of
Špania Dolina have been dated from as early as 2000-1700 BC. Copper from Špania
Dolina has also been identified in bronze artifacts from the Balkans and the
Middle East. It indicates that the local mines were part of an extensive
network of trade routes during the Bronze Age. However, the first written
reference to the village itself only appeared in 1254. Abundant deposits of
copper and silver were exploited first by miners from Banská Bystrica and after
1494 by one of the first multinational corporations, founded by the affluent
Fugger and Thurzo families
