Built in the midst of the 19th century, the Saray is a perfect example of the magnificence of Ottoman splendor and opulence.
Belonging to the Joumblat family, it was commissioned by Nassib Basha Joumblat who envisioned a winter sanctuary in Sidon’s sunny climes. As with the architecture of the time, each feature and element was carefully crafted to add to the unique character of the Saray.
Its scenic location overlooking the sea and the city of Sidon gives it an exceptional cachet only 35 minutes away from Beirut. The Saray is recognized as one of Lebanon’s grandest homes.
The Saray’s gardens are a well-kept haven of 21,000m2. With exotic vegetation, grand oak trees and flowing water fountains, the gardens are a sight to behold.
Spread across the gardens, are the royal palm trees that were a gift to the family by the former Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser.
Thanks to their exceptional landscaping and enchanting atmosphere, the expansive gardens are the perfect location for events taking place at the Saray.
The main building is distinguished by the artistic ingenuity of the most skillful artisans, featuring many Florentine architectural details subtly embellished by the elegance of the oriental arcades and galleries.
The most remarkable feature of the Saray is the splendid “Sham’aya central hall”.
This 18th century marble and mosaic grand reception room was transferred from the Sham’aya Palace in Damascus by Nagib Bey in 1946. It took more than a decade and 400 laborers to integrate into the Saray. The hall has a double vaulted 7-meter high ceiling flanked by walls with marble engravings and mosaic inlays.
Carved from one slab of Carrara marble, the famous Fountain of Lions adorns the center of this grandiose hall.
