A beautifully preserved historic village in the Chouf mountains.
Deir el Qamar is one of Lebanon’s most beautifully preserved historic villages, set in the Chouf mountains about 45 km southeast of Beirut. Once the capital of Mount Lebanon, its harmonious square of 16th- to 18th-century stone buildings, palaces and churches makes it feel like an open-air museum of Lebanese heritage.
"Quick facts",
From the 16th to the 18th century, Deir el Qamar served as the capital of the emirs of Mount Lebanon, and its central square still preserves the palaces, mosque, silk khan and churches of that golden age. Carefully protected, the village remains one of the finest ensembles of traditional Lebanese architecture in the country.
A remarkable ensemble of palaces, a mosque and old public buildings.
Elegant stone monuments from the era of the emirs.
Historic sanctuaries tucked among the stone lanes.
Red-roofed houses and cobbled lanes to wander.
Deir el Qamar is about 45 km southeast of Beirut — roughly a 1-hour drive into the Chouf. It sits just minutes from Beiteddine Palace, and the two are almost always visited together, often with the Chouf cedars.
Being a beautifully preserved former capital of Mount Lebanon, with a harmonious square of 16th–18th century palaces, churches and stone houses.
About 45 km — roughly a 1-hour drive into the Chouf mountains.
Yes — Deir el Qamar and Beiteddine Palace are just minutes apart and are usually seen on the same day.
