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Deir el Qamar Historic Square
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historical-site
The historic square of Deir el Qamar (The Monastery of the Moon) was the administrative center of Lebanon and the capital of the Mount Lebanon region between the 16th and 18th centuries. The Midan square, located in the scenic Druze mountain village, is surrounded by the palaces and administrative buildings of the emirs of the Maan dynasty, including Fakhreddine. The architecture of the square reflects the traditional Lebanese mountain style, with red tile roofs, vaulted windows, and stone walls. Here lies Lebanon's oldest functioning mosque, the Fakhreddine Mosque, as well as the impressive Silk Market (Kayssariyya), which was the hub of regional trade in the 16th century. The buildings in the square are also symbols of religious tolerance, as Druze, Christian, and Islamic communities lived here in peace for centuries. The historic center underwent major restoration starting in the 1980s and is today one of the country's most important cultural and tourist destinations.
- Location: Lebanon
- Top sights: Titanic Baakline · Hand Made Crafts · El Mahkama El Mathhabiah
- Nearby: Aley (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 7 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 19 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 19 | 14 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 99 | 80 | 39 | 23 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 18 | 50 | 83 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The historic square of Deir el Qamar is a public plaza, freely accessible at all times. The surrounding palaces, mosques, and traditional houses can be visited.
Typical hours
The square itself has no opening hours, but the surrounding buildings have their own visiting times. These vary, typically open from morning to evening.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the square and most buildings. In mosques, be respectful and avoid flash.
Time needed
A walk around the square and alleys takes about one hour. Allow an extra hour for visiting the palaces and museums.
Combine with
Deir el Qamar is in the Chouf Mountains, where you can also visit Moussa Castle and Beiteddine Palace. The Cedars of Lebanon are also nearby.
Getting there
The town is reachable by car from Beirut in about one hour via the coastal road. Parking is available at the edge of the historic center.
Insider tip
Visit the square in the late afternoon when the light paints the stone facades gold. Enjoy a traditional Lebanese coffee at one of the cafés.
Geography
Facts
- One of Lebanon's very first official printing presses operated in the village in the 19th century.
- A former palace functioning as a wax museum (Marie Baz Museum) stands in the square.
- In 1860, the settlement was one of the sites of a drastic Druze-Maronite civil war.
- Intricate carved rosettes and arches can be seen on the walls of the Kayssariyya.
- The fountain in the square has provided fresh water to the residents for centuries.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Deir el Qamar Historic Square (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about Deir el Qamar?
It was once the capital of Mount Lebanon and preserves its medieval charm.
Are there museums there?
Yes, the Marie Baz Wax Museum is located right on the historic square.
Can you stay overnight?
Yes, there are beautiful boutique hotels and guesthouses in old stone houses.
What is the weather like?
It's cooler than Beirut in summer, and it can occasionally snow in winter.
Are there good restaurants?
Yes, around the square there are cafes serving traditional Lebanese cuisine.
Deir el Qamar Historic Square: where is it located?
Deir el Qamar Historic Square is located in Lebanon.
Deir el Qamar Historic Square: what is there to see?
Highlights include Titanic Baakline, Hand Made Crafts, El Mahkama El Mathhabiah.
Deir el Qamar Historic Square: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Deir el Qamar Historic Square: why is it worth visiting?
The historic square of Deir el Qamar (The Monastery of the Moon) was the administrative center of Lebanon and the capital of the Mount Lebanon region between the 16th and 18th centuries.
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