In the heart of Serra da Lousã, we find Cerdeira, a xisto village that stands out for its beauty and the fact that it has not suffered any constructive intervention that would hurt the traditional approach.
This place not only offers accommodation but also the possibility to participate in creative experiences, Artist Residencies, School of Arts and Crafts Courses, guided walks and other team building activities, as well as personalised retreats for groups and companies.
Due to its natural surroundings, isolation and beauty of its built heritage, Cerdeira offers its visitors a creative and enriching experience. Its accommodation offer consists of 9 independent shale houses, built with stone, clay and native wood, having all the comfort and convenience of a modern house. In addition, there are also 12 beds in the hostel.
The houses are fully equipped for long stays and have balconies with views over the valley, the mountain and the village, serving as inspiration for many artists who spend some seasons here.
Sustainability
The whole project of Cerdeira – Home for Creativity was designed to be sustainable not only environmentally, but also socially and economically, having obtained the European Ecoabel, an eco-label of the European Community. A curious fact is that the houses are intervened by prestigious Portuguese artists with unique pieces, purposely created for the house that receives them.
The Casa das Artes, which serves as a centre for all activities, is a building with four floors rebuilt according to traditional methods and materials. The walls were only made of regional schist and clay, the interior structures of native wood (pine or chestnut), some finishing with clay and straw and the acoustic insulation in cork, making part of the international route of EcoArq – Ecological Architecture.
Most of the materials used in the construction of the houses (by a local company with local labour) are also from the region, as well as the bet on the type of construction, recreating and respecting the traditional moth. Most of the products used in the houses (e.g. shampoos, soaps, detergents) are biological or handmade and special attention is given to water saving and recycling. The treatment of clothes is done by ARCIL, a local association dedicated to the rehabilitation of unsuitable citizens of Lousã.
In general, the village tries its best to minimize its ecological footprint, with plans to be self-sustainable energetically in the future. For now, LED lamps are used to save on consumption.
One of Cerdeira – Home for Creativity’s accommodations is also equipped to receive people with reduced mobility or wheelchairs.
Facilities
Cerdeira’s houses are equipped with a modern kitchen and dining area. All have a private bathroom with shower and hot water. Electric heating is always available, as well as a traditional wood burning stove.
For the hottest days, the natural stone pool makes the delights of kids and adults, making the best of summer.
What to do
From all over the village you have a splendid view of the mountain. The solitude, the surrounding natural beauty, the walking trails, the streams and the dam in the stream, combine to allow good moments of reflection and relaxation. Visitors can register in advance for workshops or courses held in the village and combine their stay with learning.
For lovers of photography, Cerdeira offers wonderful places to photograph flora and fauna, and deer can be seen in the village at night or early in the morning. Cerdeira is a magical place where time does not fly.
How to get there
By car – The village of Cerdeira is located in Serra da Lousã, in the district of Coimbra, in central Portugal. To reach the village, you will have to drive approximately 9 km along the N236 mountain road that connects Lousã to Castanheira de Pêra. Next you will find an indication with the name of the village to turn left. After another 1.5 km you will reach the village. You will have to park the car next to the chapel and enter Cerdeira on foot, as there are no cars circulating there. There are other villages called Cerdeira so we recommend that you put Lousã on your GPS and from that point look for Cerdeira.
By bus – The village of Lousã is served by a road network of Public Transport Passengers. For more information about the schedules and stops you should consult this link.
