About us and History

Mir Amin Palace remains a living monument of Lebanese history

Early 1800s
Historic architectural view related to Emir Bashir II and Emir Amin

The Emirate legacy

Mir Amin Palace is closely connected to Emir Bashir Shihab II and his third son, Emir Amin, who often acted as his father’s representative and became central to the palace’s story.

1838
Mir Amin Palace exterior in the Shouf region

The palace is completed

Commissioned by Emir Bashir II and completed in 1838, the palace was built at around 950 meters above sea level, overlooking Beiteddine in the heart of the Shouf.

Salamlik
Salamlik reception area and formal courtyard

The exterior residence

The Salamlik served as the public and reception part of the palace, organized around an esplanade, ornamental pools, arcades, and a reception hall renowned for its refined wood engravings.

Haramlik
Haramlik courtyard with fountain and stonework

The private residence

The Liwan formed the more intimate inner residence, distinguished by colored stonework, a central ornamental basin, a fountain, arcades, and underground stables.

After Emir Amin
Historic palace detail after the Emirate period

A changing role

After the death of Emir Amin, the palace passed into other hands, yet its architectural character continued to preserve the memory of Mount Lebanon’s ruling class.

1969
Restored section of Mir Amin Palace

Government restoration

In the 1960s, the Lebanese government acquired the palace and restored it before its inauguration in 1969 under President Charles Helou.

1974
Mir Amin Palace as a hotel

Becoming a hotel

After a period as a private club for Lebanese army officers, the palace was inaugurated as a hotel on 21 September 1974 under President Suleiman Frangieh.

Civil War
Lebanese flag symbolizing the Civil War period

Damage and looting

During the Lebanese Civil War, the palace suffered pillage and looting, threatening a major piece of Lebanon’s architectural heritage.

1987
Rehabilitated palace courtyard and architecture

Rehabilitation

Restoration resumed and the palace was officially rehabilitated on 11 July 1987, at the time of Minister Walid Jumblat, preserving its historical and architectural legacy for future generations.

Today
Mir Amin Palace today as a heritage destination

A living monument

Today, Mir Amin Palace remains a living monument of Lebanese history, reflecting the political, cultural, and artistic achievements of Mount Lebanon’s past.

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