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Verdú is a village located in the couth-east section of the comarca (local district) of L'Urgell, almost on the border with La Segarra. It mainly extends across the left part of the valley of the river Cercavins. It can be reached by a road that starts at the C14 and goes on to Montornès. Agriculture provides its most important economic activity, with the commercial cultivation of wheat and barley, almonds, olives and vines. These crops give rise to a landscape that seduces visitors with its simplicity and the intense light of its flat terrain.
The village has been declared a Zona d’Interès Artesanal (Zone of Craft Interest), and is famed, both near and far, on account of its black pottery, "sillons" or black earthenware pitchers. Today the workers who make these jugs still work with the forms of traditional pottery, but also introduce elements of modern ceramics.What to visit The Castell de Verdú (Verdú Castle), éwhich is surrounded by walls, is one of the most emblematic buildings in the village. Elements of particular interest include the torre de l’homenatge (homage tower), which dates from the end of the 12th century, the sala gòtica(Gothic hall), built by Abbot Copons of Poblet, the cellars, prison cells, courtyard, and defended entry gate. The most outstanding feature of the church of Santa Maria is its Romanesque style portal, which was influenced by the Escola Lleidatana (Lleida School). There is a Sant Crist (Christ Figure) from the 13th century and an image of the Puríssima, (Virgin Mary) by Agustí Pujol (1626), as well as a rich treasure of ceremonial crosses, relics and monstrances. Museum of Toys and Automats HistoryThe village of Verdú was recovered from the Muslim invaders in the year 1056 by Count Ramon Berenguer and entrusted to Arnau Company, in his role as first feudal lord of the village. It was Berenguera, a member of the Anglesola family, who gave the settlement its Carta de Població (charter) in 1184, following which its walls and cemetery were constructed. In 1203 the village was handed over to the monastery of Poblet, which acquired it along with other properties purchased from Guillem de Cervera in 1227. Until the end of ancien régime Poblet maintained its jurisdiction over the village, which experienced significant growth and development. In 1378, King Pere III gave Verdú the right to hold a fair for round-hoofed animals. This fair was one of the most important in Catalonia and was held for six hundred years. PotteryThe village has been declared a Zona d’Interès Artesanal (Zone of Craft Interest), and is famed, both near and far, on account of its black pottery, “sillons” or black earthenware pitchers. Today the workers who make these jugs still work with the forms of traditional pottery, but also introduce elements of modern ceramics. Events of particular interest include the Festival del Silló and the Pottery Fair of Verdú.
The walls of the village and facades of the houses also merit specific mention. Many of the houses in Verdú still conserve their nick-names and in some cases there are ceramic tiles next to the doors bearing these names. There are also ceramic tiles referring to different professions and occupations, including the potter, butcher, and pharmacist. The subject matter is free and everyone chooses the most appropriate and suitable subject. WineThe vine is, and has always been, one of the most important crops grown at Verdú. At present the village of Verdú has three cellars that produce high quality wines and belong to the Costers del Segre Designation of Origin. Much of its production is also destined to the elaboration of cava. Verdú has held its own Grape Harvesting and Wine Festival since 1990. Where to eat
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Verdú