Beiteddine

City of the Lebanon located in the area of the Chouf, Beiteddine (in Arabic بيتالدين the house of the religion) is located at 26 km of the Mediterranean coastline, with 850m of altitude. Beiteddine is a city inhabited in majority by Druze S. But this village owes especially its reputation with its famous palate, one of principal tourist attractions of Lebanon, called " palate of the Emir Bachir".

Palate of Bachir

This palate was built at the beginning of the XIXe century by the emir Bachir II, large emir or prince of Lebanon. Its tomb is in a garden close to the palate. Of 1943 with 1982, it will be the estival residence of the presidents of the Lebanese republic.

It is divided into three great parts. First consists of a vast court, broadside of a wing intended for the origin with the hosts of the palate. The central part, marvelously decorated with sculptures, woodworks and polychrome mosaics, was reserved for the official receptions and the administration. The third part, or Dar el-Harîm, included/understood the private apartments of the emir, the kitchens and the " hammam" , one of the most beautiful specimens of the kind. The palate is located in the middle of gardens and of orchards. It shelters moreover several museums, of which that of the Byzantine mosaics.

In Beiteddine, there exist three other palates built for wire of the emir Bachir. They always visible, but are not opened today with the public. This city is located at 4km capital of Chouf: Baakline, stronghold of the family Hamadé, as well as the Sheiks Akl Druzes;

Festival of Beiteddine

The festival of Beiteddine is an important festival in Lebanon. It takes place each year in July and August, and accommodates representations of opera and jazz.

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