Piesky
Špania Dolina deposit, Špania Dolina, Banská Bystrica District, Banská Bystrica Region, Slovakia
Piesky, Špania Dolina, okres Banská Bystrica, Banskobystrický Kraj, Slovenská Republika
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
Piesky, part of the Špania Dolina deposit in Slovakia, is a historic mineral locality known for copper mining since prehistoric times.
It features secondary copper minerals like chalcophyllite, azurite, and malachite, with 49 valid minerals recorded.
The area has a humid continental climate, with an average annual temperature of about 9.24°C and significant rainfall.
Mining history includes evidence from 2000-1700 BC, with major activity in the 15th century under the Thurzo-Fugger company.
Local culture is rich with mining heritage, including bobbin lace traditions and historical landmarks like the “Knocker” bell tower.
Geographic Location
Piesky is nestled in the Špania Dolina deposit, located in the village of Špania Dolina, Banská Bystrica District, Banská Bystrica Region, Slovakia. It sits at coordinates 48° 49’ 3’’ N, 19° 7’ 51’’ E, within the Carpathian Mountains. The nearest city, Banská Bystrica, is about 8.8 km away, and other nearby localities include Krahule, Kremnické Bane, Kremnica, and Hrochoť, all within a 20 km radius.
Minerals and Geological Structure
This locality is famous for secondary copper minerals, with highlights including chalcophyllite, azurite, and malachite. A total of 49 valid minerals have been identified, such as acanthite and tetrahedrite subgroup, with chalcophyllite being particularly rare. The geological structure suggests hydrothermal or supergene enrichment, typical of epithermal or porphyry copper systems, with minerals like calcite and dolomite indicating possible carbonate rock presence.
Mining History and Local Culture
Mining at Piesky dates back to 2000-1700 BC, with copper traded to the Balkans and Middle East during the Bronze Age. The 15th century saw significant development under the Thurzo-Fugger company, including a miners’ riot in 1525 and later monarchy management from 1546, with new shafts like Ludovika (440 m deep). The local culture reflects this heritage, with traditional bobbin lace, a craft school from 1883, and landmarks like the Gothic church and “Knocker” bell tower, part of hiking and skiing trails.
Climate and Ecology
The climate is humid continental, with an average annual temperature of about 9.24°C and around 113.92 mm of annual precipitation. The region, near the Low Tatra National Park, supports diverse ecology, with mountainous terrain ideal for outdoor activities.