Time jumps back to the late 19th century. The year is around 1870 and we are standing in front of Qasr Bechara el-Khouri. This abandoned mansion whispers tales of Beirut’s glamorous past. Qasr Bechara el-Khouri stands in Zokak el-Blat. It was once an upper-class district known for its villas and palaces. In fact, Zokak el-Blat was the first area in Beirut to have a paved road.
Qasr Bechara el-Khouri was built by the wealthy businessman Bechara El Khoury. The palace is a two-story mansion distinguished by its red-tiled roof. Imagine the vibrant life that once filled these rooms.
Despite its current state of abandonment, Qasr Bechara el-Khouri retains its charm. Decorations on the ceilings and soaring vaults hint at its past glory. The blue facade contrasts beautifully with the surrounding greenery. Even in decay, Qasr Bechara el-Khouri possesses a unique character.
The palace is now owned by the municipality. It has been abandoned for many years. Today, you might find a carpenter working on the ground floor. He reportedly pays rent to the municipality. Also a former butler of the El Khoury family resides here.
There was a plan to transform Qasr Bechara el-Khouri into a House of Arab and Lebanese Literature. Another source says that Fairouz was born here. The house is said to be bound by the Construction Law of 1983. There were plans to restore it into a museum dedicated to Fairouz’s life.
Despite its poor condition, Qasr Bechara el-Khouri offers a glimpse into Beirut’s history. It serves as a reminder of a time when Zokak el-Blat was a vibrant and elegant district. The palace stands as a testament to the passage of time and the stories it carries.