Historical development of the old royal mining town of Nová Baňa reflects the beginnings of mining precious metals, its gradual growth and transformations. The oldest traces of settlement in this area go back to the late Stone age which is shown by the archeological findings of stone axes from the „Mlynárov vrch“ (Miller´s Hill). The well known unique finding of an bronze axe from the „Janíkov vrch“ (John´s Hill) comes from the middle Bronze Age (around 1500 BC). Coins dating back to the 2^nd and 3 ^rd centuries AD, found in this area, prove the existence of business contacts in the Roman Empire period „Zámčisko“ near Nová Baňa was a part of the chain of  fortified hill structures protecting the road along the River Hron in the restless period after the break of the Great Moravian Empire and the beginnings of the Hungarian State. This extensive fortress, serving most likely as a refuge, was fortifed by a strong wall and a moat which still can be seen in the terrain.

Before 1337, when the oldest written record of the settlemenst Seunych – later Nová Baňa originated, miners from the town of Pukanec had found gold ore in this area. From the increasing number gold – ore-spalling mills we can deduce that they were profitable. This development helped the transformation of the original settlement into a small town. In 1345 the town became a free royal and mining town and gradually was granted these privileges: the right of the trade, the right of the sword and the right of the mile. From the point of view of self-administration, documents coming from the years 1345, 1346 and 1347 are very vital. Town council members are mentioned in the mandate issued by the King Ľudovít I on 8 ^th September 1345. Another significant document stating the town boundries and showing the town territory dates back to the year 1355. The first document with a town seal affixed on it was issued by the town in 1348.

The hey day of mining and the medieval town itself is recorded in the second half of the 14 ^th century, when Nová Baňa ranked among seven most importand Upper-Hungarian mining towns. After this short period of „golden age“ the town suffered several times due to historcal events such as domestic turmoil in the Hungarian Kingdom and anit-Turkish wars. In the 17 ^th century the town became almost completely depopulated thanks to the damage caused by a Turkish attack in 1664, gentry uprising and the plague Black Death. Problems with undeground water in local mines negatively influenced further development of mining. Flooded mines were to be safed by a steam engine pumping uderground water, constructed by an English inventor Isaac Potter. It was the first stram engine on the European continent. In 1723 a share holding company was founded to mine gold in the local mines. However, minining was getting ever more costly, and was gradually being reduced until, in 1887, the mines were closed down.

Since the 14 ^th century the town was well known for millstone production, handy craftsmen (mainly potters, shoe makers, blacksmiths, tailors), folk woodcarvers and domestic and agricultural tools producers as well as for fruit farming. This region also became well known for its glass industry tradition. One of the oldest Hungarian glassworks was built in nearby Stará Huta in 1630. The building of glassworks in Nová Baňa in 1907 may be considered the beginning of modern industry.

History of the town is reflected in some architectural monuments, for example the parish Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin dating back to the second half of the 14 ^th century, St. Elisabeth´s Church and hospital, both built in 1391. The 19 ^th century gave the town the classicist Church of St. Cross on the Calvary (1826), the late-classicist sculptural group of Holy Trinity (1847) and the neo-gothic pilgrim´s chapel of Virgin Mary in „Kohútovo“area.    

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