Peramea

Peramea — its Latin name "Petra-Media" — has served as the capital of the Pla de Corts district since early in the history of the Pallars region. Its fortunes have always mirrored those of the wider comarca: periods of growth followed by decline, and at present a state of stagnation and retreat.

Much of the town's story runs in parallel with that of the monastery of Gerri. In 1057 a formal agreement of vassalage was signed between the Count of Pallars and the monastery concerning a castle, which by 1075 had passed into the monastery's hands. That castle stood on the rocky summit of the Puig de les Forques, directly beside the church of Sant Cristòfol, and it served as a residence for the counts of Pallars during the long Pyrenean winters.

Historical accounts describe the local springs as producing water that was weak and quick to spoil. The land itself was stony and mountainous. Crops included wheat, barley, rye, pulses, oil, a little wine, potatoes, some fruit and vegetables, walnuts, and almonds, though pasture was scarce. Sheep were the main livestock. The area also supported good hunting — rabbits, partridges, and migratory birds — and two flour mills were in operation. At the time the records were made, the population of the town and its surrounding farmsteads came to 21 householders and 174 inhabitants in total.

Peramea retains its medieval street layout, with cobbled and arcaded lanes and two original gateways still marking the entrance to the old town enclosure. The area also holds prehistoric remains: the Dolmen de la Mosquera and the Dolmen de Peramea (Era d'Ortega) are both located within the municipality.