The Citadel of Cascais is more than just a scenic monument, for it is now a space for cultural creation with the new Cidadela Art District (CAD), an innovative project designed by Group Pestana. With this project, the Pousada of Cascais, member of The Leading Hotels of the World, becomes the first hotel in Europe to have an Art District. With the opening in the beginning of March, the Pousada has a new name: Pousada Cascais – Cidadela Historic Hotel & Art District.
The idea behind the project is to (re)use the many unique spaces of the Citadel – from the Pousada to the fortress walls – for exhibits and “in loco” creation by the residing and guest artists in constant dynamics between guests and Art. The Cidadela Art District comprises six galleries, including the first and only Raw Art gallery in Portugal and six Open Studios where artists can be seen during their creative process and the Pousada’s guests and visitors are always welcome.
Another major attraction are the 6 Author’ Rooms created by the residing artists and various site specific temporary interventions, a true ‘Pousada Take Over’ by both residing and guest artists all over the hotel. An ‘Art Concierge’ is available to guide guests and visitors through the hotel, the open studios, exhibitions and events.
The artistic curatorship is by Sandro Resende, one of the founders of P28, well for known for works such as “Contentores,” “Outdoors” or the latest “Janela”. Duarte Amaral Netto, Paulo Arraiano, Paulo Brighenti, Susana Anágua, Pedro Matos and Bruno Pereira are the first set of residing artists. The galleries include Viarco and Magnética Magazine, among others.
The Cidadela Art District calendar includes six bimonthly and simultaneous shows, three annual concerts and seven site-specific interventions transforming the Cidadela into the new agent provocateur in country.
Inaugurated in April 2012, the Cidadela de Cascais is one of the most recent hotels and leisure projects belonging to the Group Pestana that thus continues its National Heritage rehabilitation projects, providing the Village of Cascais and the country with a unique new site that integrates a luxury hotel. The Pousada de Cascais, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World (offering a variety of restaurants, event spaces, and culture and leisure venues) is located within the ancient Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Luz a historic site, once the summer home of the Portuguese Royal Family. It’s a destination within a destination. Co-signed by architects Gonçalo Byrne and David Sinclair, the buildings were fully restored, preserving their heritage and at the same time were brought back to life with a modern and light filled architectural project that made them regain their former cultural shine.
