Western Poland (#01): Bolesławiec

Boleslawiec (German: Bunzlau) in Lower Silesia was first mentioned in 1201 and took part in the battles against the Mongols in 1241. After that, a renewed city with city walls was established. The city seal, still used today (left,) was first used in 1316. In 1346, Boleslawiec came under control of Imperial Bohemia. It was again heavily destroyed during the Hussite Wars in 1429. After that, a double city wall was started in 1479.

With the majority of burghers in 1522 becoming Protestant early on, Boleslawiec became an important center of the Reformation. The city town hall was rebuilt by the famous Wendel Roskopf in 1525 and at the same time construction of a sewerage system was started. This was an unusual and difficult undertaking; it was finished in 1565 and it was the first canalization system in that part of Europe. In 1558, the first apothecary was established.

For a long time Boleslawiec has been famous for its Bunzlauer pottery works. Pottery was an early trade and already in 1511, the Boleslawiec pottery guild is mentioned. This entire region has a history of pottery making dating back to the early 7th century. Early pieces from the 1700s and 1800s were used by farmers as storage pieces and had a chocolate colored glaze. At the end of the 19th century, the potters of Boleslawiec began to introduce new lines of pottery intended for use in the parlor. At the same time, they began to experiment with colored glazes, sponging techniques, and various decorations. Much of the pottery is of high quality, hand painted stoneware. In 1898, the German government established the Keramische Fachschule (Ceramic Technical Training School) to foster development of the art.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Poland
• Western Poland
• Silesia
• Bolesławiec
• Bolesławiec Viaduct

[maxime125]

Congratulationfor the slide, i lived for some months there, and it´s a magic town, beautyful!, thanks for the memories!

[maxime125]

There is a little mistake the municipal building is actually a theater, in reconstruction.