Casa Bernard

Rabat's narrow streets hide a surprising number of grand houses, and Casa Bernard is among the most welcoming. From outside it is unassuming, with a modest limestone front and painted balconies, which is typical of old Maltese houses: for centuries the homes of wealthy families were built to reveal little of what lay inside, because displaying riches could be dangerous. Inside it is a restored 16th-century palazzo that is also a private family home, opened to visitors by the people who live there.

It is listed in our directory of museums in Malta, though the owners are quick to point out that it is a home and not a museum. Walk down almost any old street in the town and you will pass similar plain frontages, so a tour here shows what the closed doors conceal. It makes an easy pairing with a day among the sights described in our Mdina guide, since Rabat sits directly outside the old walled city. If you also want a day in the capital, our Valletta guide is a good companion.

A house with Roman roots

The building began as a mediaeval watch-tower on Roman foundations. By the middle of the 16th century it had grown into a double-fronted palazzo, and Baroque touches were added later. There are traces of Roman arches in the cellar, part of which is now a family chapel, and the house contains features from Roman, mediaeval and Knights of St John periods.

The name comes from Dr Salvatore Bernard, a physician of French origin who looked after the Grand Master of Malta and moved into the house in 1723. His descendants, a family of doctors, lived there until the second quarter of the 20th century. Our Knights of Malta guide explains the Order that employed him, and history lovers may also enjoy the Ħaġar Qim temples.

Mr and Mrs Magri acquired the neglected palazzo in 1993 and began a restoration that lasted around two decades. The work won a Special Mention at the 2006 Europa Nostra awards for its quality.

What the guided tour includes

Tours lead you through the barrel-vaulted entrance hall, the chapel, the dining room, three drawing rooms, the library and the main bedroom. Your guide explains the furniture, paintings and objets d'art, many of which were not on public view until fairly recently. The visit ends in the courtyard and garden.

The owners, Georges and Josette Magri, are both retired teachers who now live in the house full time and often lead the tours themselves, so you hear the story of each room from the people who know it best. Tours are offered in English, Maltese, Italian and French.

Visits are always guided rather than self-led, which means you move through the rooms at the pace of the group and can ask questions as you go. It is a good option for UK visitors who enjoy history, architecture, antiques or interiors, and for anyone who would like to see how an old Maltese noble house actually looks inside.

Opening times and booking

Tours are held Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 13:00. If you need another time, other tours can be organised by appointment. Because the house is lived in, contacting the owners ahead is the safest way to secure a slot, particularly for groups or if you have a tight schedule. The site does not publish a ticket price, so ask when you enquire.

The house is at 46 Triq San Pawl in Rabat. Allow time to explore the town afterwards, and our things to do in Malta page suggests other half-day outings, and where to stay in Malta compares areas. If you want to stay nearby, see our page on hotels in Mdina and Rabat.

Planning your visit

Casa Bernard works well as a morning visit, since tours finish at one o'clock, leaving the rest of the day for the streets of Rabat and Mdina. Wear comfortable shoes, as old houses have steps and uneven floors, and bring your camera for the courtyard and garden. Our Malta weather guide helps you choose a comfortable month.

To ask about a tour, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to the owners.