Sort, capital of the comarca of Pallars Sobirà, in the province of Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
Sort is a small town in the Pallars Sobirà region of Catalonia that spreads along the Noguera Pallaresa river. Narrow streets and old stone buildings line the winding paths, while a medieval castle perched on a hilltop has overlooked the town for centuries.
Sort was founded by the Counts of Pallars in the 11th century, who built a castle on the hilltop to consolidate their power. Over the centuries, the town underwent several transformations, including a river redirect that created a new district.
The name Sort comes from Basque and means bridge, referring to the river crossing that shaped the town's early importance. Today the town is known for the annual La Bruixa D'or lottery, which draws visitors from across Spain and has become central to local identity.
The town is accessible by car via roads from Agramunt or Lerida, with parking available for visitors. Exploring the old town and nearby hiking trails works best on foot or by bike, especially if you want to fully enjoy the natural parks and mountain routes.
In the 16th century Sort was known for herb women who made traditional remedies and passed down their knowledge through generations. These practices were condemned as witchcraft during the Inquisition, but the historical stories remain part of local memory today.
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