A historic landmark nestled in the heart of Beiteddine, Mount Lebanon, Mir Amin Palace was built for Emir Amin of the distinguished Shihab dynasty. This 19th-century masterpiece fuses Lebanese architectural heritage with Ottoman elegance, boasting grand stone façades, majestic courtyards, and breathtaking views of the Chouf mountains.
Today, Mir Amin Palace offers an exclusive luxury experience, where history and sophistication converge. Guests are invited to wander through its halls and courtyards, immersing themselves in the palace’s rich legacy while enjoying refined comfort and timeless design. Every corner tells a story, transforming a visit into a journey through the elegance and grandeur of Lebanon’s storied past.
Palace, located in the heart of Lebanon’s Chouf region, stands as a remarkable testament to 19th-century architecture, political influence, and cultural refinement. Its story is closely tied to Emir Bashir Shihab II, one of Mount Lebanon’s most prominent leaders during the Ottoman era, and his third son, Emir Amin, a figure entrusted with political affairs and frequently acting as his father’s representative. Emir Amin, the son of Emir Bashir’s first marriage with Sit Chams and brother to Kassem and Khalil, played a pivotal role in the palace’s legacy.The palace was commissioned by Emir Bashir II and completed in 1838 (1255 Hegira), positioned 950 meters above sea level, overlooking the picturesque village of Beiteddine. This elevated location earned it the title of the “pearl of Beiteddine,” combining strategic advantage with breathtaking natural beauty.The palace is divided into two main sections:Salamlak – The Exterior ResidenceThe Salamlak served as the reception and public area of the palace. Visitors enter through the western main entrance, crowned with a trilobed vault, above which a fresco declares in verse the grandeur of the castle and its Emir:"Glorious entrance, Brilliant meteor like its Emir
Noble castle; witness of the bloodshed of martyrs
Happily opening its arms to visitors with radiant smile
O great castle triumphing in the year 1255 of Hegiria!"The Salamlak sits at the center of a spacious esplanade featuring a rectangular pool, aligned with two smaller circular pools, forming an elegant axis leading directly to the Haramlak (the private interior residence). Arcades surround the esplanade on three sides—west, south, and east—while a wooden pavilion on the northwest side showcases the splendor of Islamic architecture.
This exterior residence is particularly famous for its reception hall (Deewan), adorned with magnificent wood engravings—testaments to the artistry of Bilad El Cham. The Salamlak preserves its Oriental character, reflecting both the Emir’s status and the cultural richness of the time.Haramlak – The Interior ResidenceThe Haramlak, or private residence, lies directly along the main entrance axis. Built with colored stones in grey, brown, and white, it features a squared interior esplanade with a summer lounge on the east facade and a pavilion with five arcades to the north. At the center of the esplanade sits a 16-cubit ornamental basin (approximately 8 meters), crafted from white marble and brown alabaster, fed by a central fountain.The Haramlak also housed stables in its underground level. Following the death of Emir Amin, the Maronite community and the Archiepiscopat of Beiteddine appropriated the palace.Modern History and RestorationIn the 1960s, the Lebanese government purchased Mir Amin Palace, restoring it before its inauguration in 1969 by President Charles Helou. For a time, it served as a private club for Lebanese army officers. Later, on 21 September 1974, the palace was inaugurated as a hotel under President Suleiman Frangieh.During the Lebanese Civil War, the palace suffered pillage and looting. Restoration efforts resumed under Minister Walid Jumblat, and on 11 July 1987, it was officially rehabilitated, preserving its historical and architectural legacy for future generations.Today, Mir Amin Palace stands as a living monument of Lebanese history, reflecting the political, cultural, and artistic achievements of Mount Lebanon’s ruling class, while offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of the Ottoman-era Emirate.