Cerdeira - Home for Creativity

The Rebirth of a Village

Hidden away in a small valley at 700m above sea level, Cerdeira was a village of schist houses at risk of disappearing after agricultural activity was abandoned in the middle of the 20th Century. Almost 300 years old, the village was built by courageous people, farmers who lived off the land and who, even if they left in search of a better life for their families, would always come back and visit their home.

Today, Cerdeira has new stories to tell, of new inhabitants who have, will their persistence and willpower, breathed life and purpose back into this place, of men and women who have knowledgeably restored the houses and made them comfortable as a 21st-century house should be, of guests who choose the village to spend their holidays, and of artists from all over the world who come in search of inspiration. Cerdeira is now one of 27 villages that make up the network of Aldeias do Xisto.

In 2000, two families that had been friends for years decided to unite in the recovery of some houses in the village. Gradually, the Cerdeira Village project started to gain form and meaning. In 2006, the Arts festival "Elementos à Solta" was held, idealized by one of the project co-founders. In 2012, the Cerdeira Village project started, which in 2018 became Cerdeira - Home for Creativity.

A COMMUNITY OF ARTS WHERE CREATIVITY AND NATURE SERVES ALL PURPOSES: TO REST, LEARN, CREATE AND INSPIRE.

OUR MISSION

We want to be a community of arts with a village as home and the world as our inspiration. Our mission is to provide an offering where nature and creative vision combine to create unique experiences and unique products. To showcase the freedom and space of a village in the hills of Lousã, the authenticity and comfort of a stay in our schist houses, and to be an epicenter of cultural inspiration through art and creativity.

Environmental Policy

For its natural environment in a Natura 2000 area and the isolation and beauty of its architectural heritage, Cerdeira intends to offer its visitors a creative experience, enriching and unforgettable.

Cerdeira - Home for Creativity was thought to be a sustainable and inspiring project. Our schist houses have been rebuilt with stone, clay, and native woods, always thinking about the comfort and well-being of our guests.

Creativity combined with Ecological Sustainability and Social Responsibility are fundamental concepts for us, applied not only to the rehabilitation of shale houses and classified heritage but also to the activities around art and creativity that we have developed, and of course, in the involvement with the Local Community. In this way, we make every effort to:

• Promote programs and environmental training to our employees and guests to raise awareness of responsible and sustainable tourism;

• Promote rational use of natural resources, optimizing our energy and water consumption;

• To value the use of local and, where possible, organic products;

• Measuring the waste produced in our facilities to reduce it every year;

• Favoring certified ecological products for cleaning and maintenance;

• Favoring local and regional resources (eg, local builders, hiring staff, equipment acquisition);

• To favor the continuous improvement of our Environmental Management system;

• Comply with applicable legal and environmental requirements and other requirements subscribed by the accommodation;

• Disclose our Environmental Policy to all stakeholders;

• Use Culture and Art as a means of connecting with the Local Community.

Certifications

PRIZES AND RECOGNITIONS

Awards and other distinctions received by Cerdeira - Home for Creativity.

Press

If you are a media professional, you will find here what you need to not resist making a visit.

CONTACT FOR PRESS:
Rita Santos
rita.santos@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com

Clipping

The Cerdeira - Home for Creativity in the press.

PRIZES

Awards and other distinctions received by Cerdeira - Home for Creativity.

HOW TO GET here

A Cerdeira is located in Central Portugal, less than an hour away from Coimbra, 9km away from Lousã.

Lisboa – Cerdeira: 217 km;
Porto – Cerdeira: 164 km;
Coimbra – Cerdeira: 37 km.

GPS COORDINATES
Latitude: 40° 05' 38.64" N
Longitude: 8° 11' 46.97" W

Traveling by car from the south:

Follow the A1 until Torres Novas and take the A23 towards Castelo Branco. Follow the directions towards the A13 (Tomar and Coimbra) and stay on the A13 until you see an exit marked Miranda do Corvo/Lousã (N342). When you arrive in the center of Lousã, by the City Hall and the town’s main church, follow the directions towards Cerdeira (N236). You will find the village in about 9km. When you arrive, park at the square by the chapel.

Traveling by car from the north:

Take the A1 until Condeixa and then take the A13 (Tomar and Lousã). Stay on the A13 until you see an exit marked Miranda do Corvo/Lousã (N342). When you arrive in the center of Lousã, by the City Hall and the town’s main church, follow the directions towards Cerdeira (N236). You will find the village after about 9km. When you arrive, park in the square by the chapel.

By public transportation:

Take the train or bus to Coimbra. In Coimbra, at the Coimbra-A train station, take the bus called “Metro Mondego” headed towards Lousã. In Lousã, take a taxi to the village, about 9 km away. The ride should cost about 13€ and can be booked by calling +351 917 866 975.

Shuttle service

You can request a shuttle service to and from Lisbon and Porto airport or to any other place of your choice. To use the service from/to the airport, simply go to the link: https://cerdeira.airportshuttle.pt/ and follow the steps.

Know more here.

CONTACTS