Boleslawiec

When you think of shopping for traditional Polish craft, Boleslawiec in southwestern Poland should be the destination of your choice, for it is in this picturesque town that you will get the finest Polish Pottery that is treasured allover the world.

The city of Boleslawiec can be reached by rail from Warsaw Krakow, Dresden and Frankfurt. It is close to the international routes of Wroclaw-Dresden and Szczecin-Wroclaw-Prague and these routes can be availed by car.

Boleslawiec has the advantage of being a well-connected border town. Its easy accessibility, its cherished pottery industry and its proximity to other areas of tourist interest makes it a flourishing holiday destination. Make sure you visit Boleslawiec in your next vacation and collect some fine pieces of ceramics.

Pottery making in Poland dates back to the 7th century when it began as a craft in the Silesian region. It is said that the inspiration for the designs was drawn from the peacock. The white clay found locally was used for making the first potteries. Originally, farmers made rough clay pottery to store things of daily use, but with increasing urbanity, it soon evolved into an art form and an industry. In 1898, the German government patronized this art form under the body of 'Kermische Fachschule'. In the post war period, many pottery factories that were controlled by the government were built in the region.

Today, the pottery making has evolved into a flourishing industry. The clay is chosen carefully and baked in high temperature kilns. As a result, you get pottery that not only adorns your dining room but also is flame proof and microwave safe. Lead free glazes are used for decoration; so Polish pottery is non-toxic and ecologically safe. They are therefore great for storing or serving food. As each piece is individually hand - crafted and unique they also become a collector's item.