Banícky orloj v Španej Doline
The Banícky orloj in Špania Dolina is a tribute to the grueling work of miners and pitmen in this region. The village of Špania Dolina, closely tied to mining and copper ore extraction for centuries, is located in the Banská Bystrica district. It lies approximately 14 km north of the district town, in the western part of the Starohorské vrchy. The unique animated astronomical clock (orloj) is situated directly on the village square next to Klopačka, a former mining guardhouse and seat of the mining inspectorate. It reveals its interior showing the hard work of miners in the shaft and adits to visitors every hour on the hour.
The Banícky orloj was built in Špania Dolina in 2004. Not by chance did it find its place right on the village square next to Klopačka. In the past, mining supervisors resided in this historical building, and mining maps were produced here. The building's turret served to house the knocking device, hence the name Klopačka. In the past, miners were summoned to the shaft by a specific knocking sound. The building functioned this way until 1910. It then fell into disrepair for several years until undergoing reconstruction in 1998. Currently, it houses a restaurant with a small museum exhibition upstairs.
The clock itself is essentially a model of a mine. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary stone wall. On the hour, however, the familiar knocking sounds and the solid wall begins to open. Behind it lies a mine with a shaft and adits. Figures of miners depict various mining activities here. Some are just descending into the shaft, while others are diligently breaking rocks or loading ore onto carts. Overlooking everyone here is the patron saint of miners, St. Clement.
If you find yourself near the small village of Špania Dolina during your holiday trips around Central Slovakia, make sure not to miss the unique Banícky orloj. You will get a special opportunity to glimpse the hard work of the people in this region. In winter, you can combine a trip here with popular skiing. Excellent snow conditions give the green light to several smaller ski resorts here. Visit nearby Šachtičky or the ski area Ski Turecká – Krížna. And if you fancy skiing in a large ski park, you can visit the nearby PARK SNOW Donovaly.
If you visit this region in summer, you can combine a trip to Špania Dolina with a walk underground in Harmanecká jaskyňa or with water adventures and holiday relaxation at the tourist-favorite Aqualand – Plážové kúpalisko Banská Bystrica. Your holiday program in this region will be diverse in every season. Book your accommodation near Banícky orloj in Špania Dolina right now. The offer of cottages and holiday homes is wide here, but capacity fills up quickly.
