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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

1980Pirna and Bolesławiec sign their certificate of friendship
1998Pirna and Bolesławiec renew their twin town status
2000Delegation visit from Pirna to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the towns being twinned
2001A Pirna delegation takes part in an official function to celebrate 750 years of Bolesławiec
2010On the 30-year anniversary of the partnership, Bolesławiec puts on an exhibition in Pirna
201535-year anniversary of the partnership
2015Artists from Bolesławiec are part of the Pirna Skulpturensommer (“Summer of Sculptures”)
2018Exchange on the topic of “youth parliament” with the youth council from Bolesławiec
2022Joint action to assist Ukraine, signing of the Declaration of Solidarity with Ukraine
2023Joint application for the Europe Prize
2024Participation of a Pirna delegation at the 30th Bunzlau Ceramics Festival and getting to know the city leaders