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Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum

Explore the opulent life of Maltese nobility at Palazzo Falson, a medieval Mdina townhouse with seventeen rooms of historic domestic belongings and antique collections.

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Step back in time at Palazzo Falson, a medieval townhouse in Mdina, Malta, showcasing the opulent life of Maltese nobility. Explore seventeen rooms filled with historic domestic belongings and diverse antique collections, all meticulously preserved by Captain Olof Frederick Gollcher. It's the second oldest building in Mdina, offering a unique glimpse into Malta's rich cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Palazzo Falson

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more peaceful exploration of the museum.
  • Take advantage of the audio guide included with your ticket for a comprehensive tour of the palazzo's history and collections.
  • Don't miss the rooftop Gustav Café for panoramic views of Mdina.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Palazzo Falson is located in the heart of Mdina, also known as the Silent City. Once you enter Mdina through the main gate, walk straight along Villegaignon Street. The museum will be on your left-hand side. Mdina is relatively small and easy to navigate on foot.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by public transport from Valletta , take bus number 51, 52, 53, or 56 to Rabat. From the Rabat bus stop, walk towards the Mdina main gate (approximately 500 meters). Enter Mdina and follow Villegaignon Street to find Palazzo Falson on your left. A single bus ticket costs €2.60 and is valid for all-day travel.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Malta. A taxi from Valletta to Mdina will cost approximately €20-€30 and takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Mdina main gate, then proceed on foot along Villegaignon Street to reach Palazzo Falson.

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Discover more about Palazzo Falson

Palazzo Falson, also known as the Norman House, is a historic house museum in Mdina, Malta, offering a captivating glimpse into the island's noble past. Built as a family residence for the Maltese nobility, the palazzo is named after the Falson family, one of the prominent families of medieval Mdina. The earliest recorded reference to the family dates back to 1299. The palazzo's origins trace back to the early 13th century, built on the site of 'La Rocca,' which was part of Mdina's defensive structure. Over the centuries, the palazzo has undergone several modifications, blending Norman, Sicilian, and Spanish architectural styles. In 1524, Michele de Falsone, the head of the town council, inherited the Palazzo, which led to the addition of a second story and Arabesque pillared windows. The three windows on the first floor were designed around 1524 by Maltese master mason Jacobo Dimeg. The Grand Master, Philippe Villiers de L'Isle Adam, resided in the Palazzo from October 20 to November 5, 1531. Captain Olof Frederick Gollcher, a traveler, scholar, painter, and collector, bought the palazzo in parts starting in 1927 and renamed it 'The Norman House'. Today, Palazzo Falson is a museum displaying Captain Gollcher's extensive and varied heritage collection. The museum features 17 rooms filled with over 3,500 objects across 45 collections, including paintings, furniture, valuable books, silverware, and weaponry. Highlights include a rare watch made by Robert Robin in Paris in 1797 and a silver collection of more than 800 items. The museum also hosts educational programs, guided tours, and workshops. Visitors can also relax at Gustav Café, located on the rooftop, which provides stunning views of Mdina.

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