# Shihab Palace in Hadath

The Shihab Palace in Hadath is a historic residence originally constructed by the Maan emirs in the late 16th century and later inherited by the Shihab dynasty. The palace retains its original character, and mirrors the architectural style of the Hasbaya Shihabi Citadel albeit on a smaller scale. After undergoing significant restoration efforts led by Emir Farid Hares Shihab in the mid-20th century, the palace was acquired by the Spanish government in 1964 and has since housed the Spanish Embassy in Lebanon. The palace is the subject of Le palais Chéhab, the first volume in the "Chroniques du Liban" series published by the Association for the Protection of the Lebanese Heritage.

## Location

The Shihab Palace is located in the Haret el Botm neighborhood in the Hadath municipality, approximately 8 km (5.0 mi) southeast of Beirut. Situated at an altitude of around 150 m (490 ft) above sea level, the palace lies in a historically significant area of the Baabda District in Mount Lebanon Governorate.

## History and ownership

The Shihab Palace was built by the Maan emirs in the late 16th century and passed to the Shihab family in the 18th century, who are considered the dynastic heirs of the Maans. The structure is notable for its resemblance to the Hasbaya Shihabi Citadel. The palace has undergone several restorations, the first recorded restoration was undertaken by Emir Melhem Shihab in 1698 who resided in the palace from 1732 to 1754 during his rule as Emir of Lebanon. Later, Emir Sayed Ahmad Shihab, who ruled from 1775 to 1786, also lived there. The seat of Emirs of Mount Lebanon moved to Beiteddine during the reign of Emir Bashir II (fl. 1789 – c. 1840). During this period, Emir Faris Shihab undertook another restoration in 1797, commemorated by a marble plaque above the entrance. The palace briefly became a center of power during the short reign of Emir Bachir III (fl. 1840 – c. 1842). The Ottoman Empire eventually ended the emirate during this period. Subsequently, in 1843, Mount Lebanon was divided into two administrative districts known as the double kaimakamate system, with separate Christian and Druze governors. Historical records indicate that the palace survived significant damage during the 1860 civil war, including the destruction of its library, which housed a unique collection of manuscripts and historical documents. The building continued to be occupied by descendants of the Shihab family, even as political power shifted to Beiteddine under Emir Bashir Shihab II.
In 1950, Emir Farid Hares Shihab, then director of General Security and Vice President of Interpol purchased his cousins' shares of the property and undertook extensive restoration work, enlisting the expertise of Pierre-Henri Coupel, an architect and archaeologist specializing in historical monuments. Following the events of 1958, Farid relocated to France and entrusted the palace to his friend, Alfonso Merry del Val y Alzola, then-Spanish ambassador to Lebanon. The Spanish government acquired the property in 1964, ensuring its preservation and continued use as a diplomatic residence. On 17 April 1989, Spanish Ambassador Pedro Manuel Di Aristegui was residing there during the events opposing the Lebanese army and Syrian armed forces. On that day Di Aristegui was hosting his father-in-law, the retired ambassador and Lebanese writer Tawfiq Yusuf Awwad, along with his sister-in-law, poet Samia Tutunji, the building was targeted by the Syrian armed forces with a 240 mm mortar shell that fell in the inner courtyard, a second in the outer courtyard, and a third in the small salon where the ambassador and his guests had taken refuge, killing Di Aristegui , Awad, and Tutunji.

## Description

The Shihab Palace in Hadath consists of 40 rooms. It exemplifies princely Lebanese architecture, characterized by its monumental entrance featuring two reliefs of a heraldic lion taming a decapitated head above each of the entrance corners. Above the main portico are pigeon towers, while the façade features ablaq (alternating white and ochre ashlar masonry), a technique influenced by Mamluk architecture. The mandaloun windows are crowned by segmented arches decorated with rosettes that echo the design of the entrance portal. Historical renovations have left their mark on the structure, with inscriptions on marble plaques documenting restoration works in 1698 under Emir Melhem Chehab and in 1797 under Emir Faris Shihab. Architect Nathalie Chahine el-Chabab notes that no original plans of the palace have been found, but the walls reveal evidence of multiple construction phases.

## Cultural significance and preservation

The Shihab Palace's preservation has been championed by the APPL, which emphasizes the importance of safeguarding Lebanon’s architectural legacy. Through initiatives such as open door events organized by Spanish Ambassador Milagros Hernando Echevarria in collaboration with the municipality of Hadath, the palace has been opened to the public, fostering appreciation for its historical value. The publication Le palais Chéhab underscores the need for legislative measures to protect Lebanon’s patrimonial buildings. Pascale Ingea Haddad, co-founder and president of the APPL, advocates for raising awareness about the importance of preserving ancestral homes. The palace is the subject of Le palais Chéhab, the first volume in the "Chroniques du Liban" series published by the Association for the Protection of the Lebanese Heritage.