Aldeia de Cerdeira, village in Lousã, Portugal
Aldeia de Cerdeira is a village in the Serra da Lousã mountains built with dark stone houses arranged along a steep hillside. A winding staircase of stone connects the structures, while a small stream flows through and old water mills mark the settlement's natural layout.
Settlement began in the late 1600s or early 1700s as a grazing community for herders and farmers. The 20th century brought major change: a dispute over water in the 1970s resulted in a tragic incident that marked the end of traditional life, later immortalized in the film 'O fim do mundo'.
The village's name likely comes from cherry trees that once grew here abundantly. Local traditions include folk songs recorded in the early 1970s, performed during festivals and gatherings as part of the community's shared memory.
The village is best reached by car from Lousã, about 9 kilometers away, with parking available near the chapel. The narrow streets are easily explored on foot, and a small café on site offers internet access if you need to stay connected.
The village intentionally remains without electrical connections and has almost no internet access, encouraging visitors to disconnect from daily digital life. This absence of modern conveniences makes it a rare retreat where genuine connections and mindful moments take priority.
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