Palazzo Falson Travel Guide

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.