Access Statement
Situated just outside the splendid medieval city of Mdina, in its suburb, Rabat, Casa Bernard is a charming late 16th Century Palazzino which has just been restored to its pristine splendour and is now open to visitors who can enjoy a cultural experience of seeing how a Maltese house used to look through the ages and how it used to function, and still does in this day and age.
Attractions And Features
For this is not a museum but a family home, still lived in today, after 3 years of careful and dedicated restoration by expert craftsmen.
Guided tours with a full explanation by the owners themselves, or an expert guide, or the housekeeper are held daily from 10.00a.m. to 4.00 p.m., on the hour, from Monday to Saturday.
Possibilities
Other tours outside these hours can be arranged for the evenings or for Sunday morning at an extra charge of 4 Euro p.p. for a small group of not less than 5 persons.
Optional tours outside normal hours, including refreshments, like Champagne or Spumante, Wine and soft drinks, or Tea or Coffee after the visit, accompanied by some local nibbles or delicacies are possible at a reasonable price, which could be discussed on request.
Visits
The owners take it in turns to show you round when they are free or else are replaced by knowledgeable guides who are very well acquainted with the history and contents of the house.The price per person for the visit which lasts 45 t0 50 minutes is 8 Euro while children under 12 pay half price.
Pre-Arrival/ Access to Casa Bernard/ Parking
The Bus routes to reach us are : from Valletta to Rabat No.51 ; from Sliema to Rabat No. 202 or 203 and from Bugibba / Qawra to Rabat No. X3
Casa Bernard is only 3 -5 minutes from the Bus Stop. It is 250 metres away from Mdina and 200 metres from the Bus Stops and a large parking area just down the road.Near this large parking area is the end part of our street, St. Paul’s Street, just opposite the Domus Romana. Walk up this street for one minute, pass the first medieval chapel on your left, walk up for another 2 minutes, pass the Franciscan Church and Convent on the left and then , on the right hand side of the street, opposite this Convent, corner with a narrow Alley, stands Casa Bernard.
Arrival
Please ring the bell or the Intercom and you will be welcomed in.Visitors will not go around freely round the house but will be always accompanied by a guide explaining everything, and open to queries.The guided tours take you round the hall, the two downstairs sitting rooms and the dining room.Then to the first floor, the stairs being equipped with a convenient handrail, passing the Mezzanine, meaning the half-way floor where there is a sample 18th Century Bedroom,and then to the Piano Nobile where you will be shown the Grand Drawing Room, the Library and the Morning Room overlooking the Courtyard, all with different furniture of various époques.The visit will end with a tour of the courtyard and garden with a playing fountain.There is also a private chapel in the basement of the house but will be visited only through a pre-booked private request.
Facilities
We regret that no lift is available due to the historic architecture of the house. Any intervention would have spoilt it in one way or another, and since the house is Listed Grade A, nothing could be done.
There are 3 steps leading to the main entrance , with handrails on both sides, and the width is 54 inches or 1 metre and 35 cm.
In wheelchair cases, entry is possible through the back door of the house, again 54 inches wide or 1 metre and 35 cm., where you enter the courtyard and then go into the hall through a door 4 ft. Wide or 1 Metre and20 cm.However , in this case, the visit will be regrettably limited to the downstairs rooms and the garden.
Security
For security purposes, CCTV has been installed. Hence, visitors are asked not to touch any objects lying around but the guides will answer any queries about any particular object of interest.
Toilets
Three toilets are available in case of need, the first door being 2ft 6 inches wide or 75 cm., the second 2 ft 10inches or 85 cm., while the third is only 2ft wide or 60cm, consequently, not wheelchair-friendly, because of its small size.
Bookings
Bookings can be made via our email: casabernardmagri@gmail.com or by phone 00356 21 451888 or 00356 9984 4343 or 00356 7944 4373.Hotel receptionists are always happy to oblige if you are at a loss.
A warm welcome
We all look forward to seeing you and welcoming you to Casa Bernard in the near future and promise you an interesting as well as fascinating cultural experience in a friendly and homely atmosphere.
