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Beiteddine
The town's name derives from the old Semitic language, meaning “the house of adjudication.” However, some argue that the name is Arabic, meaning “the house of worship,” since it included a khilweh (holy place) for the Druze, according to folklore. Beiteddine is home to the famous palace built by Prince Bachir Al-Chehabi II, who governed Mount Lebanon from 1788 to 1840. The palace's design and structure represent that of 19th century Lebanese architecture. Its construction began in 1812, at which time it was the principality's headquarters, and continued until 1840, when the prince was exiled, first in Malta and then in Istanbul, where he died in 1850. Principality rule was dissolved in the year 1842 and the palace was converted into a headquarters for Ottoman governors. In the years 1860-1915, it was used by Mount Lebanon's Ottoman Mutassarif, and after World War I the palace was placed under the authority of the French mandate government.
Restoration work on the palace started in 1926, and by the year 1934, it was designated as a historic building and placed on the list of Lebanese heritage sites. Beiteddine palace went on to become a summer residence for the presidency in 1943, under President Bechara Al-Khoury. Later, the remains of Prince Bachir were transferred from Istanbul to the palace boundaries to be placed beside those of his wife, Lady Chams, in 1947. Beiteddine is a valuable touristic site and was used during the sixties and seventies for arts and culture festivals. Beiteddine organizers have resumed this tradition, with internationally recognized events taking place in the months of July and August each year.
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