Josep Maria Martí, a fourth-generation master dry stone builder, has been a key figure in the specialized dry stone training held in Ciutadilla. Originally from Pont d’Armentera and residing between La Fuliola and Valls, Martí emphasizes the growing demand for this traditional technique over the past five years, especially in the Ponent region.
“"My father taught me the dry stone technique because it was one of the services we offered in the company. In the last five years, there has been a very high demand and a huge heritage need in Ponent."
According to Martí, the province of Lleida is experiencing a strong current of 'sense of belonging' linked to popular architecture, where people value and wish to preserve this heritage. This technique, which uses no mortar, is fundamental for the sustainability of the territory, especially in areas like the Vall del Corb, where dry stone walls enable agriculture on otherwise unproductive land.
“"People love the land they tread. There is a lot of work to be done, also because much heritage has been allowed to fall into disrepair. But if we all put one stone every day, the wall would not fall or would already be built."
The master dry stone builder also highlighted the #RecuperemelMeüll project in Pallars Jussà, which has involved over 200 people in three years. In addition to the Ciutadilla workshops, Martí is preparing training sessions in Castelló de Farfanya and Binèfar, aiming to foster the recovery of villages through dry stone construction.
“"Dry stone is the most sustainable construction technique that exists. With the stone the land gives you, you can build stone upon stone without any type of mortar. There is nothing more zero-kilometer than this."
The second dry stone and heritage workshops in Ciutadilla, held on Saturday and Sunday, saw fifteen participants learn and practice the fundamentals of this ancestral technique, contributing to the restoration of a dry stone wall that began last year at one of the main entrances to the village.
