Makłowicz on Bolesławiec: “an undiscovered page”

In 2007, renowned chef and culinary traveler Robert Makłowicz was recording a program for Telewizja Polska in Bolesławiec. On that occasion, we asked him how he viewed the city. His answer was candid and, for some, rather harsh:

– There are places that are obviously wonderful, and everyone knows it and expects what they will find there. And Bolesławiec is, with all due respect to the residents of this venerable town, still somewhat of an undiscovered page. Who in Poland generally knows that it is nice here? People associate it with ceramics. They know that there is a viaduct. And that is all.

This statement accurately reflected how the city was perceived at the time—known mainly for its ceramics, but not standing out more broadly on Poland’s tourist map.

19 years later: what has changed?

Since then, Bolesławiec has undergone many changes. The city has invested in infrastructure, cultural events and promotion. A flagship example is the development of the Ceramic Festival, which attracts thousands of tourists every year.

President Piotr Roman has played an important role in promotional activities for years, building—though not always successfully—the image of the city as an attractive place to live and visit. However, the question remains: have these efforts really changed the way Bolesławiec is perceived in Poland?

Is Bolesławiec still “an undiscovered page”?

On the one hand, the city has become more recognizable, particularly in connection with its ceramics. On the other, many residents and observers may feel that outside the region Bolesławiec is still not widely regarded as a tourist “must-see.”

Does the average Pole know more about Bolesławiec today than in 2007? Has the city entered broader public awareness, or does it still mainly function as a curiosity?

Join the discussion

We return to Robert Makłowicz’s words from almost two decades ago and ask:

  • Was his opinion accurate?
  • Would he say something different today?
  • Have the city’s promotional efforts produced a real effect?

Share your opinion in the comments.