Bolesławiec as a dynamic, open and supportive local community, builds its identity on multicultural historical heritage and on the unique ceramic tradition. Bolesławiec is a county town with over 750 years of history, considered one of the most beautiful towns in Lower Silesia.
The city of approx. 40,000 inhabitants is located near the border crossings with Germany and the Czech Republic, at the intersection of important communication routes: Pan-European transport corridor No. III leading from Dresden through Wrocław, Katowice, Kraków to Kiev and the road from Świnoujście to Jakuszyce.
Bolesławiec is famous for its ceramics. Thanks to the rich deposits of stoneware clay found in the basin of the Bóbr and Kwisa rivers, it quickly gained the status of an important pottery centre. Currently, the characteristic Bolesławiec products decorated with the stamp method are exported to many countries and represent the city’s hallmark. Ceramic traditions dating back to the Middle Ages attract ceramic artists and sculptors, who have been meeting for over 50 years during the International Ceramics and Sculpture Workshops.
The Bolesławiec Ceramics Festival is also hugely popular – the most important urban outdoor event presenting the traditions and modernity of Bolesławiec ceramics. The festival includes happenings led by ceramic artists, as well as exhibitions, concerts, wheel-throwing shows, a ceramic products exchange, and an antiques fair. For five days in August, Bolesławiec becomes the ceramic capital of Poland. Three cultural institutions operate in the city: Bolesławiec Cultural Centre – International Centre of Ceramics, Museum of Ceramics and the Municipal Public Library – Centre of Knowledge, with a broad range of cultural activities.
Bolesławiec is among the elite cities distinguished with three out of four awards granted by the Council of Europe: the European Diploma, the Flag of Honour and the Plaque of Honour, awarded for promoting pro-European activities and strengthening the idea of European solidarity as well as for skilful use of financial resources of EU programs. For years, it has been cooperating with European cities in many areas, constantly expanding the network and scope of cooperation. At present, Bolesławiec has 10 partner cities: Mariagerfjord (Denmark), Pirna (Germany), Siegburg (Germany), Nogent-sur-Marne (France), Česká Lípa (Czech Republic), Prnjavor (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Molde (Norway), Vallecorsa (Italy), Acuto (Italy) and Zbarazh (Ukraine).
