Serail of Youssef Chehab

Lebanon


On the main street opposite the main square is this beautiful 18th-century palace, which now serves as the town hall (look for the two carved lions above the doorway, which represent justice). The entrance leads to an attractive courtyard, off which there is an apartment with wooden panelling, domed ceiling and a window offering views over the valley.

Behind this building it's worth exploring steep and narrow cobbled streets, honey-hued stone houses and two churches: the 17th-century Our Lady of the Rosary and the 18th-century Church of St Elie.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Lebanon attractions

1. Main Square

0.03 MILES

The main square is a showcase of fine Arab architecture, including the Mosque of Emir Fakhreddine Maan, built in 1493, and, behind it, a cobbler's souq…

2. Qaisariye

0.06 MILES

This harmonious khan just above the square was built in the late 16th century and chiefly served as a souq for silk and jewel traders. These days a French…

3. Beiteddine Palace

0.93 MILES

Sitting majestically on a hill surrounded by terraced gardens and orchards, Beiteddine Palace is one of the highlights of the Chouf Mountains. This…

4. Shouf Biosphere Reserve

9.73 MILES

The largest of Lebanon’s three natural protectorates, comprising an incredible 5% of the total land area, this is the largest natural cedar reserve in the…

5. Chateau Kefraya

10.17 MILES

One of only a couple of wineries in Lebanon that you can currently visit without pre-booking, this produces quality wines of all three colours. You might…

6. Deir El Qalaa

10.87 MILES

Built over the remains of a Roman temple, this 18th-century Maronite monastery was extensively damaged during the civil war but has been fully restored. A…

7. Horsh Beirut

12.28 MILES

The large and verdant Horsh Beirut could be the city's version of Central Park, but opening hours are irregular to the point of arbitrary, and it’s manned…

8. Temple of Echmoun

12.35 MILES

About 3km northeast of Saida, this is Lebanon’s only Phoenician site boasting more than mere foundations. Begun in the 7th century BC, the temple complex…