photos from Dier el Qamar

Dier el Qamar translates to Monastery of the Moon, it is located 5 km outside of Beiteddine.  The structures in the town are some of the last examples of classic Lebanese construction, stone with red tile roofs.

cobblestone alley cat, very vocal

in the middle of all the sidewalks there is a ravine for water drainage

gardens

spring

classic hillside view

Fakhreddine mosque

public water fountain in the middle of the main square

photos from Beiteddin palace

the name is pronounced bate~ah~deen

on the second story just in front of the courtyard entrance to the palace

courtyard view

inside view, like a genie bottle!

one of many ornate ceilings 

mosaic water fountain near entrance to a worship hall

more ceilings

mosaic

entryway

receiving hall

mosaic

water fountain for purification before entering the mosque

courtyard view

stables where many Byzantine mosaics were stored during the war, it is touted as the most comprehensive and best preserved collection of Byzantine mosaics

beautiful stonework

formal garden courtyard

valley view from garden courtyard