Palazzo Falson (The Norman House)

Historic Building in Mdina

CC BY-SA 3.0 / rene boulay

Palazzo Falson — also known as Falson Palace — is one of Mdina's most treasured architectural and cultural landmarks. Built around 1495, this beautifully preserved medieval townhouse offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the domestic life of Malta's noble families. It is the second oldest surviving building in Mdina, following only the ground floor of Saint Sofia Palace. Originally designed as a stately residence for the Maltese aristocracy, the palace takes its name from the Falson family, who were prominent figures in local history. With its charming stone façade, intimate courtyards, and distinctive architectural details, Palazzo Falson embodies centuries of refinement and Maltese heritage.

The Origins and Architectural Legacy of Palazzo Falson

Constructed in the late 15th century, Palazzo Falson was built during a period of social and architectural transformation in Malta, when local nobility sought to assert their influence through grand residences. Its Gothic and early Renaissance features blend harmoniously to create a residence that was both defensive and elegant. During the time of the Order of St. John, the palace was reputedly visited by notable guests — including Philippe Villiers de L'Isle-Adam, the first Grand Master to settle in Malta. The upper floor's ornate windows remain one of its most striking features, and though their designer is unknown, scholars attribute them to Jacobo Dimeg, a Maltese architect renowned for his delicate stone craftsmanship. These details make Palazzo Falson not only a home of historical significance but also an enduring piece of architectural artistry.

From Noble Residence to Historic House Museum

In 2007, Palazzo Falson entered a new chapter as it was transformed into the Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum, under the stewardship of the Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti. The museum preserves the legacy of its most recent resident, Captain Olof Frederick Gollcher, an artist, scholar, and collector who dedicated much of his life to restoring and maintaining the building. Today, the museum's seventeen meticulously curated rooms recreate the ambiance of a noble home, with each space offering insight into the daily life and refined tastes of the Maltese elite. Visitors can explore rooms such as the Kitchen, Armoury, and Carpet Gallery, each filled with authentic furnishings, antique objects, and art from centuries past.

The Treasures Within

Among the palace's many highlights are Captain Gollcher's private quarters, including his Library, Studio, and Study, which showcase his passion for literature, art, and travel. The collection also includes fine silverware, antique clocks, oriental carpets, and rare artworks, all reflecting the intellectual curiosity and cultural connections of the household. One of the museum's most extraordinary exhibits is a 10-hour French Revolution-era timepiece, created by the master watchmaker Robert Robin (1742–1799). Robin, famed as the preferred watchmaker of King Louis XVI, crafted this rare timepiece during France's short-lived Decimal Time system — and only three examples are known to exist worldwide. This unique artifact alone makes Palazzo Falson a must-see destination for history and horology enthusiasts alike.

The Palazzo Falson (The Norman House) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Mdina!

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