Travel Guide Moukhtara

Situated about ten kilometres south-east of Beiteddine, Moukhtara was from the 17th century the stronghold of the Joumblatt family, whose palace dominates the village. Crossed by a spring, the palace emerges from an ocean of greenery. Four giant yew trees stand tall in the middle of the large courtyard, on either side of the watercourse.The residence, rebuilt in the 19th century, mixes oriental and Italian architectural influences. It was built on an older structure destroyed in 1825 during the struggles between the Druze sheikhs and Bechir II. It was the home of Kamal Joumblatt, a great Lebanese politician, leader of the Druze community and head of the Progressive Socialist Party. After his assassination, his son Walid Jumblatt took over.Although not part of the tourist itineraries, the palace is sometimes open to everyone. This magnificent residence houses a remarkable collection of oriental crafts, works of art and mosaics.