Things to do in Bolesławiec

Explore the factory where they produce world famous polish pottery and see how it is done. This trip is popular among women who enjoy partnering style with their homes. For centuries, one of the premier art forms in Central Europe has been the pottery and ceramics created in the Silesia region of Poland. The durable and functional creamy white and blue stoneware pieces are unique and easily identifiable. Ceramics and pottery are a definitive part of the identity of the city of Bolesławiec, Poland, and the town itself is often called the "town of ceramics". It is impossible to talk about the town without talking about the ceramics that have been produced there for over a thousand years, and it is a matter of great pride for the inhabitants. Ceramic art has long been intertwined with Bolesławiec, a town located in Silesia and a historically disputed region of Europe. The ceramic works are referred to as Boleslawiec pottery, or sometimes by their German name of Bunzlau pottery or Bunzlauer pottery. There has recently even been a resurgence in the popularity of Boleslawiec ceramic art in the United States. The geography lends itself to ceramic work as the area is rich in natural clay deposits; the clay is still excavated today, and is of extremely high quality. It has a high feldspar and silicon content, and is classified as stoneware after firing. It is fired at extremely high temperatures, at approximately between 1,100-1,300 degrees Celsius. After visiting this factory you will have time to spend in some of the factory's shops, before your driver will take you to Church of Peace in Świdnica. Many tourists are tired of visiting churches but I can promise you have never seen such church before. Apart of unique history of its construction church has breathtaking interiors full of amazing paintings and sculptures. It is the largest timber frame building in Europe which could host over 6 thousands people at the same time. Around the church is an old cemetery with big trees and some buildings belonging to the parish. You need around 30 minutes to explore the church and its surroundings. Then your driver will take you back to Wrocław.

The first recorded history about pottery activities in the Bolesławiec region date back to the end of the 14th century. Since then, the region became know as a very important area of pottery production. Visit one of the best local manufacturers observing the skilled workers at the different stages of production. Especially spectacular is the decoration, all of which is done by hand with special stamps with the emblematic pattern called peacock's eye. Afterwards, there is some time for shopping before heading to the next stop, a local restaurant for lunch. On the way back you will have a chance to see one of the biggest wooden churches in Europe. The outstanding Church of Peace in Jawor was built during the socio-political context of the 17th century during the religious wars and persecution of the Protestants. It was constructed under very strict regulations and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.