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(Feudal Architecture
- 36 km from Beirut)
Rock-Cut tombs from the Roman-Byzantine era indicate that Mtein's origins probably go back at least to the Roman period. Today, however, the village is notable for its feudal architecture. The Abillama Emirs, who moved here at the start of the 16th century, left behind many of their grand buildings, which can still be seen, in the town's main square or midan.
The west palace on the square is notable for its beautiful enclosed window balcony, while the south palace has an elegant restored doorway. The long east palace, unfortunately damaged by a shell in the recent war, is now being repaired. It too, used to have an enclosed balcony and remnants of this 200 year-old wooden structure can still be seen.
Behind the south palace, down the hill, is a square stone qobba, with a domed roof. Through the window you can see the typical Druze tomb, which has head and foot stones. From the same period is a tower known as Bourj Al-Mssailkeh.
Listed as a Historic Monument since the 1950's, a 1994 decree places Mtein's sites under governmental protection.
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Getting There ...
Take the main highway heading
towards Broummana from
the Moukales roundabout in Beirut. From there remain on
the main road passing through Baabdat, Bersaf, Bikafaya, Dhour El Choueir
and then Bolonia. From Bolonia head south towards
Mtein, a 3km drive.
(See
Mount Lebanon Map)
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