| This red-roofed village
just south of Beirut is reached from the old Sidon road. Wadi Shahrour
is interesting on several counts, most surprising, perhaps, is that
this unsoiled mountain town exists so close to the perimeters of
sprawling Beirut.
Wadi Shahrour was once famous
for its 18th and 19th century feudal palaces that belonged to
the Chehabi Emirs. Today, however, only one remains: the Dar Emir
Mahmoud Suleiman Ali Chehab, begun in 1806. Now privately owned
and under restoration, it is located near the white domed Orthodox
church in the village center.
The house has a central courtyard
and a garden. The high arcaded entrance features two chained lions,
often seen in Chehabi architecture. In the courtyard there is
a water basin and a reception room with seating along the sides.
The second floor is notable for the large “diwan” that
was used to receive important visitors.
The town has many old houses,
often carefully preserved. The small restored Maronite church
of Deir Mar Takla, built in 1740, sits beside an ancient oak tree.
In the town cemetery are the tombs of numerous Chehabi Emirs.
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Mount Lebanon:
