Generally regarded as the founder of modern Lebanon for uniting the Druze and the Maronites under a single authority for the first time in history, the Druze Emir erected many buildings including the Fakhreddine palace and the oldest Synagogue (1638) in Mount Lebanon. Other places of worship had previously been built there under his grandfather’s reign (Fakhreddine I): the very first Mosque in Mount Lebanon (1493) and Our Lady of The Hill church (1518).
Built around the Midane, a charming square with a typical 19th century fountain, Deir el-Qamar has been classified as a national historic site since 1945 and nominated for inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Aside from its numerous monuments, Deir el-Qamar consists today of small paved alleys lined with traditional Lebanese houses that accentuate its picturesque charm. These distinctive cobblestone alleyways (with their central rain gutters) date back to 1864, when the city elected the first municipal council in the Arab provinces of the Ottoman Empire.
Deir el-Qamar offers a captivating blend of architecture, history, and natural beauty. Here are a few excursion suggestions and heritage walks.
- Central Square (Midane): Bustling with life, the central square features a 19th-century fountain and a statue of former Lebanese president Camille Chamoun
- Palaces and Religious Sites: Explore the remnants of Fakhreddine II’s palace, the seraglio of Ahmad Chehab, the Fakhreddine Mosque (oldest in Mount Lebanon), the miraculous Saidet el-Tall church, and the oldest synagogue in Mount Lebanon.
- Museums: Delve into Deir el-Qamar’s past at the Marie Baz museum, a 16th-century palace.
- Panoramic Views: Take in breathtaking vistas from the surrounding hills and valleys, including the sanctuary of the Cross.
- Festivals and Activities: Immerse yourself in the vibrant “Les estivales de Deir el-Qamar” festival or explore the charming alleyways and traditional houses.