When Emir Bachir II Chehab decided at the end of the 18th century to leave Deir El Kamar and build a new castle of his own, he chose the village of Beiteddine located 50 km south of Beirut and about 1000 meters above sea level. Built on a former Druze hermitage, and surrounded by terraced gardens and orchards, the palace of Prince Bachir encompasses three main courtyards: Dar el-Baranié or the outer section, Dar el-Wousta or middle section, and Dar el-Harim or private apartments. It is in this latter section that emir Bachir settled in 1806. The outer courtyard, Dar el-Baranié, is 60m long. According to the Arab tradition, it was a reception place reserved for passers-by, but it was also a theater for festivities and gatherings and the starting point for hunts and war expeditions. Dar el-Wousta is the most formal section of the palace; it was the place of the Emir’s guards, secretaries and ministers. This central courtyard that can be reached through two monumental staircases and a majestic lavishly designed gate is decorated by water fountains. The stables are built around the outer courtyards. About 500 horses used to wait for their riders there. The northern section of the Palace is the Hammam reached through the reception room. Bathers used to come here for relaxation before and after the bath.