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Beiteddine Palace & Deir el Qamar Tour: Explore Historical Sites in Lebanon’s Chouf Mountain
5.0
2 Ratings
Beit ed-Dine
Embark on a half-day tour from Beirut to explore the historical sites of Beiteddine Palace and Deir el Qamar in Lebanon's Chouf Mountain. Discover stunning landscapes and the rich cultural heritage of this region.
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Beiteddine Palace - Beiteddine Palace, also known as the ‘House of Faith,’ is a 19th-century palace located in Beiteddine, Lebanon. It is the venue for the annual Beiteddine Festival and houses the Beiteddine Palace Museum. The palace was constructed by Emir Bashir Chehab II, who later ruled the Mount Lebanon Emirate, between 1788 and 1818. Post-1840, the Ottomans used it as a government building, and during the French Mandate, it served as a local administrative office. In 1943, it was designated as the president’s official summer residence. The palace suffered significant damage during the Lebanese Civil War. Today, parts of it are open to the public, while the rest remains the president’s summer residence. - Deir Al Kamar Municipality - Deir al-Qamar, meaning ‘Monastery of the Moon,’ is a village situated southeast of Beirut and five kilometers from Beiteddine Palace in the Chouf District of Mount Lebanon. In 1864, Deir El Qamar became the first village in Lebanon to establish a municipality. It is the birthplace of many notable figures, including artists, writers, and politicians. The village was home to people of various religious backgrounds and featured a mosque, synagogue, and Christian churches. In 1860, Deir al-Qamar was destroyed during the civil war between Druze and Christians, during which the town was set on fire. Napoleon III dispatched a French contingent to rebuild it, reaffirming France’s historical role as protector of Christians in the Ottoman Empire, as established by a 1523 treaty. In 1864, Deir el-Qamar elected the first municipality in the Arab provinces of the Ottoman Empire. The village maintains a picturesque appearance with typical stone houses and red tile roofs. - Fakhreddine’s Mosque - Fakhreddine Mosque, with its octagonal minaret, is located in Deir el Qamar, Lebanon. Built in 1493 and restored in the sixteenth century by Fakhreddine I, it is the oldest mosque in Mount Lebanon. - Saydet Al Talle Church - The Church of Saidet et Tallé, translated as Our Lady of the Hill, is one of the most significant historical and religious sites in Deir el Qamar, dating back to the 15th century. Monk Nicolas Smisaati constructed a church on the site over the ruins of an ancient Phoenician temple dedicated to the goddess Astarte, which was later destroyed by an earthquake in 859. According to the Maronite Heritage website, a legend states that a Druze Emir in Baakline saw a light emanating from the hill of Dar El Kamar. He instructed his soldiers to dig in the area the next morning, saying, ‘If you find an Islamic symbol, build a mosque. If you find a Christian symbol, build a church.’ The soldiers discovered a rock with a cross on it, and beneath the cross were the moon and Venus, indicating that the site had once been a temple dedicated to the moon and Venus before becoming a church.
What's Included
- Tour Leader
- Professional guide
- Hotel Pick up & Drop off
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Comfortable Private Transportation
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees
Additional Information
Embark on a journey through the towns and villages of Chouf Mountain, traversing ancient roads and exploring Lebanon’s historic sites. During this half-day excursion from Beirut, you’ll experience Lebanon’s breathtaking landscapes and pay a visit to Deir al-Qamar, the residential capital of the Emirate of Mount Lebanon. This widely diverse town once was home to people of varied religious beliefs, boasting a mosque, a synagogue, and Christian churches. Following this, you’ll tour the Beiteddine Palace, a 19th-century marvel in Beiteddine, Lebanon. This palace serves as the venue for the yearly Beiteddine Festival and houses the Beiteddine Palace Museum.
Location
Beiteddine Palace
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(2 Ratings)
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1 star
Gaby85
Jun 10, 2023
Visit to Beiteddine and Deir El Qamar - The Chouf is one of the most preserved and historically rich areas in the country. With picturesque villages, lush mountains, and the largest cedar reserve in Lebanon, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty this incredible region has to offer.
Depending on which village you want to start your trip from. the Chouf is around an hour's journey from Beirut. A good starting point is the charming village of Deir El Qamar..
Follow the southern coastal highway towards Saida. Just before Damour, exit the highway towards Beiteddine and follow the signs.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jka108
Jun 10, 2021
Very professional and trustworthy transportation. - Albert is a fantastic driver, knowledgeable about the culture and history and able to source restaurant recommendations, etc. He is very positive attitude and definitely adds value to any Lebanon visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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