Swiss envoy to Lebanon launches campaign to restore Beirut landmark

This palace was designated in 1966 as a historical building. Pic/AFP

Swiss Ambassador to Lebanon Marion Weichelt has launched a campaign to restore the Sursock Palace, a 19th century historical landmark, in Beirut which was destroyed in the August 2020 port blasts in the capital city.

"This is the first step towards rehabilitation, which will eventually allow the transformation of Sursock Palace into a cultural centre open to the public," Weichelt was quoted as saying during a press conference.

"This project, in its entirety, will not only revive the collections and heritage held by the Palace, but also help revive the social fabric and spirit of the city," he added.

Three experts from the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) arrived in Lebanon on September 26 to offer their expertise for the project.

Meanwhile, Rodrick Cochrane, owner of the palace, said Sursock Palace has always been a family home distinguished by its size and pleasant gardens since 1870.

Built in 1860 by Moussa Sursock, it was recognised at the time as one of Beirut's grandest town houses and now it is the largest private palace of that period to survive intact.

1860
Year it was built

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