Casa Bernard | Rabat

Casa Bernard is a historic Palazzo located in the town of Rabāt, Malta, and is considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved examples of traditional Maltese noble homes. The house is a private residence and museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of an aristocratic family in 18th-century Malta.

Historical Background

• Casa Bernard was built in the early 17th century by the Bernard family, a noble family of French origin who had settled in Malta in the late 16th century. The family was originally part of the Knights of St. John, which ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798.
• The house was designed as a family residence for the Bernard family, and its design is typical of the Maltese aristocracy of the time, showcasing the wealth and status of the family. The Baroque and Neoclassical styles that dominate its interior reflect the broader architectural trends in Malta and Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Architecture and Design

• Casa Bernard is an excellent example of Maltese Baroque architecture, which was popular during the period of the Knights of St. John. The house has a traditional Maltese townhouse design, with a large, ornate façade, a spacious central courtyard, and a main hall that leads to the various rooms.
• The interior is rich in architectural details, with high ceilings, painted ceilings, and a collection of period furniture, artwork, and decorative objects. The house retains much of its original furnishings and decor, giving visitors a sense of the lifestyle of the Maltese nobility during the time of its construction.
• The house’s garden is also of note, designed in a traditional Mediterranean style with fountains, flowerbeds, and carefully maintained stone pathways. The garden has a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, offering a stark contrast to the busy streets outside.

Notable Features of the House

1. Entrance Hall and Courtyard: The entrance of Casa Bernard leads into a large courtyard, with a stone fountain at its center. The hallways of the house are decorated with Maltese patterned tiles, adding to the home’s historical and aesthetic appeal.
2. Salon: One of the most prominent rooms in the house is the salon, which features luxurious furnishings, mirrors, and elaborate tapestries. It serves as a representation of the social status of the family during the Baroque period.
3. Upper Floor: The upper floors of the house have a more private atmosphere, with personal rooms and bedrooms, including decorative elements like painted ceilings and antique furniture that reflect the taste and wealth of the family.
4. The Library: Casa Bernard has an extensive library filled with books, some of which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. This room is one of the house’s most important spaces, reflecting the intellectual pursuits of the Bernard family.
5. Staircases: The grand staircases in the house are an essential feature of its architectural design. The stone staircases are adorned with intricate iron railings, leading to the upper levels where family members and guests would have spent their time.

Museum and Visitor Experience

• Casa Bernard functions as a museum today, offering visitors a chance to experience the lifestyle of a noble family during the Knights of St. John era. The museum is privately owned by descendants of the Bernard family and is managed with a focus on authenticity and historical accuracy.
• The museum's collection includes various antique pieces, furniture, and family heirlooms, some of which have been passed down through generations of the Bernard family. The artifacts within the house help tell the story of the family’s history and their contribution to Malta’s culture.
• Casa Bernard is open to the public, with guided tours available to explain the house's history, the Bernard family, and the art and architecture of the Baroque period. Visitors can see how the family would have lived in the 18th century, and the house also offers a glimpse into the broader social and cultural dynamics of Malta at the time.

Preservation and Restoration

• The house has been preserved and restored over the years, maintaining much of its original charm and historical features. The Bernard family has worked to ensure that the house retains its historical integrity, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the architectural history of Malta.
• The house’s original structure, including its stone walls and Baroque features, has been carefully conserved, with ongoing efforts to protect and maintain the property for future generations.

Location and Accessibility

• Casa Bernard is located in the heart of Rabāt, a town close to the historical city of Mdina. Rabāt is a quaint and picturesque village with a rich history, making it a popular destination for visitors to Malta.
• The house is easily accessible by foot from the town center of Rabāt, and the surrounding area is full of other significant historical sites, including St. Paul’s Grotto, Domus Romana, and Wignacourt Museum. The central location of Casa Bernard makes it an excellent stop for anyone exploring the area.

Conclusion

Casa Bernard offers visitors an exceptional opportunity to step back in time and experience the lifestyle of Malta’s noble families in the Baroque era. The house's exquisite architecture, rich interior decor, and fascinating history make it a must-see for those interested in the cultural and architectural heritage of Malta. With its well-preserved features, antique furnishings, and beautiful garden, Casa Bernard stands as a testament to the affluent lifestyles of the Maltese nobility during the period of the Knights of St. John, and it continues to be a unique and important site in Rabat.