Batedine Palace

Beyteddin Palace near the city of Deir el Qamar is a significant monument of Lebanese architecture of the XIX century. Built by Italian architects for Emir Bashir II Shihab, the palace combines the best features of exquisite Baroque and traditional Arabic style.

Construction of the palace began in 1788 and lasted more than thirty years. During this time, a beautiful building was created with arched galleries, fountains and three courtyards - external, middle and internal.

The outer courtyard was open to everyone. Celebrations and festivals were held here, from here the emir and his army went to war or hunt. There was also a guest house where any traveler could stay for three days without identifying himself. Today, a traditional annual festival is held in the outer courtyard.

In the middle yard there were stables, which could accommodate five hundred horses, and rooms for their riders and six hundred infantrymen, making up the personal army of the emir. There were also reception officials.

In the courtyard came the personal chambers of the emir. Here was the main hall for solemn receptions, huge kitchens, bathrooms, smoking and rest rooms.

In the premises of the palace there is a rich collection of Byzantine mosaics from the ancient city of Porphyrio.