Beit ed Dine Things to Do

4 more images

Our sole reason for visiting Beit ed Dine was to take a look around the beautifully restored Palace there, which we had heard was well worth a visit.
It was built by the Emir Bashir Shihab II, the Ottoman appointed Governor of what later was known as Mount Lebanon in the early 19th century and is the best example of 19th century Lebanese architecture surviving today. The Palace took 30 years to build and was declared an historic monument in 1943, after which it underwent extensive restoration. It became the summer residence of the President, Bechara el-Khoury, in 1943, the year of Lebanon's independence.
Just off the car park you will find the ticket office which leads into an extensive courtyard. Along the right side of this courtyard is a 2 storey wing, Al Madafa, which was used for receiving guests. On the upper floor today there is an Ethnographic Museum which houses items such as glass, pottery, jewelry and sarcophagi.
The Middle Section of The Palace houses the apartments of the Hamadeh Sheikhs who were responsible for the protection of the Palace and the offices of the Emir's Ministers.
There is also a lovely courtyard with a pretty fountain from which you can see views of the countryside as well as offices and reception rooms for the Emir's staff. These are richly decorated with mosaics and marquetry and filled with traditional furnishings.
Other sections of the Palace include: Private Apartments, The Room of The Column, The Salamlik (or Reception Room), The Lamartine Room, The Mahkamat (Tribunal), Kitchens, Hamman or Bath House, Graves and Stables.
The Beit ed Dine Festival is also held annually at the Palace.
Open 9am-4pm in winter and 9am-6pm in summer. However, we were there in Nov, 2009 and arrived at 3.15pm to be told that they were on the point of closing!! We did get in, but our visit was very rushed indeed, so get there early!!! Closed on Mondays. Entry costs LL7,500 for foreigners, LL5,000 for Lebanese and LL2,000 for students. Children are free. Guides are available for an extra charge. There is a gift shop and cafe also in the courtyard area.

It is one of the top places to visit in Lebanon in my opinion and affords many good photo opportunities.