The origins of dovecotes
(pigeon-houses)
We know that the dovecotes appeared primarily on the oriental part of the Mediterranean basin before coming in Europe. Their origins are to be found in the Hellenic civilisations, in the Middle East and Egypt. Thanks to cultural exchanges and trading, the dovecotes spread through Europe. In France, their architecture depended on the role they played, either seigniorial or linked to a farm. The production of pigeons was explained by the necessity of getting manure, in dry regions, as the droppings of birds provided a very good fertilizer.

In the History of France, the dovecotes had a specific place, before 1789, they symbolized the social scale of our regions. The size of the buildings, their plan ,gave information concerning the economic and social importance of the farm and the life around.

The seigniorial dovecote of Bardis
Dated from the 14th century it is known as one of the most beautiful in Aquitaine. It has a round shape and a big size. It contains 1830 nests made of freestone and pottery. It could produce about 10000 pigeons a year.
You will be told its history during your visit at château Verdus.