Did You Know? This Stunning Lebanese Mansion Was Once A Prison

Nestled among the pine trees of Aytat in Mount Lebanon stands a breathtaking mansion that seems straight out of a storybook. But behind its beautifully restored stone walls lies a surprising history. This stunning Lebanese mansion was originally a military facility and prison built in the 17th century.

Once A Military Fortress and Prison

The building was constructed by the Talhouk family. Unlike the grand residential mansions typical of Lebanese aristocracy, this structure was designed for defense and control.

It included prison cells, quarters for officers, and stables for horses. Its rough, uneven stones still hint at its rugged origins, a far cry from the polished mansions you might expect from powerful families.

Its Transformation Into a Cultural Center

By the early 1970s, the building had fallen into serious neglect. That’s when scholar and artist Dr. Sami Makarem purchased the crumbling site and turned it into the Sami Makarem Cultural Centre.

Driven by a deep love for Lebanese heritage and culture, he dedicated over a decade to restoring the mansion, turning the ruins into a warm family home and a place for artistic and intellectual pursuits.

The mansion had suffered damage during the 1980s, at the height of the Lebanese Civil War. The conflict in the region forced the family to flee. Yet, their commitment never wavered. Over the years, the Makarem family has continued the labor of love, restoring the mansion to its current glory.

It currently stands as cultural center open to the public. It showcases the art, history, and literature of the Makarem family and Lebanese heritage.

Visitors wander through leafy gardens dotted with fruit trees, admire traditional Arabic calligraphy, and explore rooms filled with memorabilia that tell stories spanning generations.

Would you like to visit the stunning cultural center? You can reach out on +961 76 812 769 to book your spot. For more information, make sure to check out their Instagram.

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