Surp
A privileged balcony with views over the valley
Surp is a picturesque hamlet in the municipality of Rialp, located in the Vall d’Àssua, in Pallars Sobirà. It lies 5.4 km from Rialp and is reached via the C-13 road towards Vielha, taking a left turn towards the village. The hamlet stands at 1,040 metres above sea level, on a hillside at the foot of Bony Negre, from where it overlooks the confluence of the Sant Antoni river with the Noguera Pallaresa and offers privileged views over the town of Rialp.
Surp is a village with a long historical trajectory. It formed part of the Viscounty of Castellbó and already in the 14th century, specifically in the year 1351, around 40 people lived there. For centuries it was the head of a municipal district, with its own council and dependent hamlets such as Rodés, Escàs and Caregue, totalling 384 inhabitants in the mid-19th century. In 1969, Surp and its municipality were incorporated into the Town Council of Rialp. At the end of 2025, the village preserves its essence with a small community of 24 inhabitants, who keep the memory of this past alive.
The main monument is the parish church of Sant Iscle i Santa Victòria, dedicated to the martyred sibling saints. The Romanesque building, with later alterations, stands out for its apse ornamented with blind arches and Lombard bands, and for its imposing square bell tower with twin windows. The mural paintings that once decorated the apse are now preserved in several museums: the Diocesan Museum of La Seu d’Urgell, the MNAC in Barcelona and the Toledo Museum of Art (Ohio, USA).
Other heritage elements include the ermitage of Sant Quirze i Sant Quiri and Casa Bertran, a popular 17th-century building that preserves the charm of traditional architecture.
Surp has historically been linked to agriculture, livestock farming and transhumance. In recent years, the village has reinvented itself with new activities such as rural tourism and the production of artisan cheeses, which add value to its economy and attract visitors interested in authentic mountain life.
The Main Festival is celebrated in the third week of July, although it was formerly held on the third Sunday of September. It is a time of reunion for the inhabitants and for those who still maintain ties with the village.
Surp is an ideal place for lovers of nature and tranquillity. The village lies within the peripheral area of the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, and is surrounded by the Alt Pirineu Natural Park, ensuring a natural environment rich in wildlife, flora and beautiful landscapes. The architectural ensemble of the hamlet, with narrow streets and stone houses, preserves its traditional charm and offers visitors an authentic experience.
Hiking
Route 6 – Serra de Posa
8,1 Km | +640 m | 2h 30′
Route 9 – Vall d’Àssua
13,3 Km | +1240 m | 4h 45′
Other routes connecting with neighbouring villages and natural areas:
Surp – Escàs
Surp – Mola de Sall – Altron – Sorre
Surp – Rialp
Surp – Rodés
Businesses
