Have you heard of Chateau Bertrand, Ta’ Qali’s upside-down building known as the ‘Madhouse’?
Ta’ Qali is one of Malta’s most visited national parks, but not many might know that a very peculiar house once stood right in the heart of the park.
Chateau Bertrand was a Maltese house unlike no other. It was known as ‘the mad house’ by locals during the time.
This was because of its extremely unorthodox architectural elements as can be seen from the photos.
As explained in the book 'Bizarre Malta' by Fiona Vella and Oliver Gatt, the house was built upside down. The stables were found on the first floor and the attic was located at ground level instead.
It also had some extremely strange windows and doors, unlike any others that Malta had ever seen before.
The house was unfortunately destroyed after it was hit by a 1942 air raid during World War II. However, there are some that suggest that it was purposely destroyed by the RAF as it was the perfect mark for enemy bombing since the airfield was nearby.
Many believe it was inspired by Villino Florio in Palermo which looks just as much as a Mad House as the one that was once in Ta’ Qali.
Some locals even referred to it as Villa Castelletti as it was at some point owned by the Maltese nobleman, Giuseppe Castelletti.
Had you ever heard of this curious house?