Bolesławiec
The former Bunzlau has been Pirna's twin city since 1980. Founded in 1201, Bolesławiec lies in the northwestern part of Lower Silesia. The district town of around 37,000 inhabitants with a historically restored old town center is located on the River Bober, a tributary of the Oder, which has its source in the nearby Giant Mountains. The fact that Bolesławiec was severely destroyed during three eras of war is no longer visible in the town.
Mineral resources such as clay, kaolin and glass sand found in the surrounding area and its geographical location on an ancient trade route leading to Poland, Bohemia and Germany allowed trade and industry to flourish as early as the Middle Ages. The pottery trade in particular developed from the 15th century onwards. The ceramic industry still shapes the town's economy today. A cultural expression of the long-standing pottery tradition is the ceramics festival held in August, which is regularly attended by representatives from Pirna.
Milestones in the history of the twinned towns
1980 | Pirna and Bolesławiec sign their certificate of friendship |
1998 | Pirna and Bolesławiec renew their twin town status |
2000 | Delegation visit from Pirna to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the towns being twinned |
2001 | A Pirna delegation takes part in an official function to celebrate 750 years of Bolesławiec |
2010 | On the 30-year anniversary of the partnership, Bolesławiec puts on an exhibition in Pirna |
2015 | 35-year anniversary of the partnership |
2015 | Artists from Bolesławiec are part of the Pirna Skulpturensommer (“Summer of Sculptures”) |
2018 | Exchange on the topic of “youth parliament” with the youth council from Bolesławiec |
2022 | Joint action to assist Ukraine, signing of the Declaration of Solidarity with Ukraine |
2023 | Joint application for the Europe Prize |
2024 | Participation of a Pirna delegation at the 30th Bunzlau Ceramics Festival and getting to know the city leaders |