Monday, July 21, 2014

Poland~ Polish Pottery & Castle Living

For my birthday we took a short trip to Boleslawiec, Poland for some Polish pottery shopping! When I started looking into finding a hotel I found a very reasonably priced castle! We stayed at the Zamek Kliczków that was built in 1297. The best part... It was under $70 a night! 




our room


the restaurant inside our hotel castle





Not only did the Castle have tennis courts, a children's play room, restaurant and pool, but it had a spa that I got to enjoy! While the boys enjoyed the pool, 
I enjoyed a couple hours of relaxation at the Spa. 




After a good nights sleep we headed out to get some Polish Pottery! Our castle was only 15 minutes away from the main polish pottery shopping. 

~Shopping~

-Andy's
Tomaszów Bolesławiecki 111 A

-Zaklady Ceramiczne Factory Shop


11, Kosciuszki Street


-Manufaktura Factory Shop


30, Gdanska Street


-Ceramika Artystyczna Factory Shop
23, Kosciuszki Str.

- Ceramika
Czerna 39

-MANUFAKTURA
ul Zgorzelecka 22b

-HENRY’S
ul. Masarska 1
59- 700 Bolesławiec

~Tips for Polish Pottery Shopping~
- Bring a conversation chart
- Double check the pottery before buying
- Go early to beat the crowds
- "Ping" the pottery to check for cracks. If you do not hear a "ping" do not buy!
-The pottery that has been discounted for whatever reason will either be on the floor or bottom shelf. 
- If you are going with a group or on a bus, bring a laundry basket to put all your boxes AND a sharpie to mark your boxes.
- Some places have a "husband" and kid section for them to wait while we shop ;) 
- You can bring cash but most places accept credit cards



~Checking for Quality~
All Boleslawiec pottery is clearly marked with stickers that give a "Gat" rating. "Gat." is short for gatunek which means "quality category." You'll find pots ranging from categories 1 through 5. 
"Gat 1" is the best quality; there aren't any defects in the pot whatsoever.
"Gat 2" pots may have a stray brush stroke.
"Gat 3" may have a crack in the glaze.
"Gat 4" may have a chip.
"Gat 5" cannot be used in the oven.







We had lunch at Opalkowa Chata, Restauracja and everything was delicious, especially the beet soup!
Augusta Cieszkowskiego 17, Bolesławiec, Poland



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