Grupa Meblowa Szynaka – the only “Friend of Cittaslow” in Poland

During the international meeting of the Cittaslow network which ended on Saturday in the Cypriot town of Yeni Bogazici, the Polish network was enriched with new members and the first “Friend of Cittaslow” in Poland, Grupa Meblowa Szynaka. The company currently operates in three Cittaslow towns in Warmia and Mazury – Lubawa, Nowe Miasto Lubawskie and Lidzbark

The idea of Cittaslow originates from the Slow Food movement and was born in Italy in 1998. A year later, four Italian towns set up the international association called Cittaslow. The first towns and cities from Poland joined the network of “cities of good quality of life” in 2006. Appreciation of the potential of small towns is a trend of the 21st century, perfectly in line with the principles of sustainable development. The ‘snail’ cities share common goals to improve the quality of life of their inhabitants and to foster a culture of good living. Above all, they focus on pro-social and pro-environmental activities, they endeavour to preserve the unique character of each city by restoring historical monuments and nurturing local products and cuisine. A characteristic feature of Citttaslow locations is also developing traditions of hospitality. Cittaslow ideas also include the use of modern technologies and innovative ways of organising the city, so that the peaceful pace of life does not conflict with continuous and thoughtful development. Cittaslow are places where human activities harmonise with the rhythms of nature, and investments are made in harmony with the needs of people and nature. After all, Cittaslow locations are places where regional products are promoted, crafts and handicrafts are nurtured, places where people simply live peacefully and well. “Live, invest, explore” are three words that perfectly capture the specific character of these cities. Peaceful places, where life is good. The international association is open to cities with fewer than 50,000 inhabitants, which have committed themselves to the movement’s goals of working comprehensively to improve their citizens’ quality of life. Currently, apart from numerous cities from Warmia and Mazury, the network also includes centres from other regions of Poland. Globally, nearly 262 cities from 30 countries belong to the movement. The office of the International Network of Cittaslow Cities is based in the Italian city of Orvieto.