In Bolesławiec, there are two streets with shops. One is Zgorzelecka Street, where there are mainly outlets, while the other is Kościuszki Street, where—from Zakłady Ceramiczne „Bolesławiec" to Spółdzielnia "Ceramika Artystyczna"—we can find several small shops belonging to the largest handmade ceramics producers.
A few days before the ceramic festival, we are checking prices at the brick-and-mortar stores of producers such as the oldest and largest company in the ceramic hub, Zakłady Ceramiczne „Bolesławiec", the former Cepelia, today the second-largest ceramic producer, Ceramika Artystyczna, and the third-largest, privately owned company, Manufaktura. The latter has its main headquarters on Gdańska Street, where visitors can tour the facility as a living museum. In addition, we visited three smaller but no less significant ceramics producers: Vena, Kalich, Freska and WR.
We should remember that more than 40 larger and smaller ceramics producers operate in Bolesławiec County. We assume, however, that their prices will be similar.
We considered only mugs—larger and smaller—and cups, because the range of products offered by ceramics producers is enormous, while a mug is representative and, in our opinion, the easiest item to compare.
During the 32nd Bolesławiec Ceramic Festival (19–23 August 2026), five-day ceramic fairs will be held in the shops on Zgorzelecka and Kościuszki streets and in the town centre, on the market square. All regional ceramics producers will present their products there.
Mug prices vary depending on their decoration—stamps, a unique limited-edition pattern, or stamps combined with brush painting—and their grade. A 370 ml mug or a 200 ml cup can cost from PLN 150 to PLN 250 or more if it comes from a limited series painted by a well-known, award-winning artist. First-grade mugs are the most expensive, and their price can reach PLN 100 or PLN 150, while lower-grade ones can be up to 70% cheaper. Mugs and cups with their prices can be seen in the photographs.
On average, we will pay:
- 100 ml cup with saucer: PLN 120
- 250 ml cup with saucer: PLN 70
- 370 ml mug: PLN 75
- 500 ml mug: PLN 65
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As of 13 August, the most expensive but also the richest selection was at Zakłady Ceramiczne „Bolesławiec". The emptiest shelves were at Ceramika Artystyczna, which is already preparing for the ceramic festival. The Manufaktura shop offers the largest selection of interesting accessories, such as necklaces, bracelets, magnets, earrings and other decorations.
The tradition of Bolesławiec ceramics
Bolesławiec ceramics have a centuries-old tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, when the rich deposits of white fire-resistant clay in Lower Silesia began to be used. However, the distinctive style recognised around the world was developed only in the 19th century, when local manufactories began decorating vessels with sponge stamps, creating unique patterns in shades of cobalt, blue, green and brown on a creamy, speckled glaze. Today, these ceramics, included on the list of intangible cultural heritage, are not only a craft but also a symbol of the region and a living legend that attracts thousands of tourists from across Europe every year.