Can Sors

Can Sors is a historic Catalan farmhouse (masia) in Alella, in the Maresme region, now operating as a restaurant known for traditional Catalan cuisine. Listed as a local cultural heritage asset, it's a rewarding stop for anyone exploring the countryside north of Barcelona beyond the coastal towns.

What is the history behind Can Sors?

The property dates back to the 14th century, and the Sors family, who gave the house its name, already appears in historical records from the second half of the 15th century. Archaeological finds around the site point to Roman-era human presence long before the current building was constructed, suggesting the land has been continuously worked for centuries.

One of the more memorable episodes in the farmhouse's history dates back two hundred years, when the neighboring town of El Masnou became independent from Alella. The original border proposal would have placed Can Sors inside the new municipality of El Masnou. The influential family who owned the estate objected and succeeded in having the boundary redrawn — which is why Can Sors remains part of Alella to this day.

The upper section of the property was traditionally used for vineyards, with the grapes processed at the Champ-Sors winery, run by a branch of the Sors family. The winery earned several awards for its wines and cava, part of the broader winemaking tradition for which Alella is well known.

What does the building look like today?

Can Sors is a classic example of a Catalan masia: a rectangular floor plan, ground floor plus upper storey, and a two-slope roof. The main façade faces south and retains an arched stone doorway on the ground floor, along with vertical balcony doors upstairs framed by slender balconies and wrought-iron railings. Some parts of the structure were altered when the building was converted for hospitality use, but the core rural architecture is still clearly visible.

In 1987 the farmhouse was restored and turned into a restaurant by Joan Crivillers Pratdesaba. Since then, Can Sors has hosted weddings, corporate events and family celebrations, pairing Catalan cuisine with a genuinely historic setting.

How do you get to Can Sors in Alella?

Alella sits in the Maresme region, a short distance northeast of Barcelona, close to the Mediterranean coastline. Driving is the most convenient option, as the property has ample on-site parking — useful given its quiet, semi-rural setting. Travelers without a car can take a regional train to Alella or nearby El Masnou and continue by taxi or on foot, depending on the exact route from the station.

When is the best time to visit?

Because Can Sors primarily functions as a restaurant and event venue, most visits are tied to a booked occasion — a wedding, corporate gathering or family celebration. For exploring the wider Maresme area, spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, offering milder temperatures than the height of summer and the best views over the surrounding vineyards and farmland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Can Sors? It's a 14th-century Catalan farmhouse in Alella that now operates as a restaurant and event venue.

Can you visit Can Sors without a reservation? Since it functions mainly as a restaurant and events space, it's best to book ahead rather than expect to drop in casually.

What's the most notable historical fact about Can Sors? The two-hundred-year-old border dispute that kept the estate within Alella when neighboring El Masnou became independent, along with the family's long winemaking tradition tied to the Champ-Sors winery.

How do you get to Can Sors? Driving is easiest, since the site has its own parking. It's also reachable by regional train to Alella or El Masnou.