Whilst most visitors to the Silent City rush straight to Mdina’s cathedral and city walls, we always recommend our guests at Tiny Malta take time to discover one of Malta’s most intimate and fascinating museums. Palazzo Falson sits quietly on Villegaignon Street, its medieval stone façade giving little hint of the treasures within. This 13th-century palace houses one of Malta’s most remarkable private collections, transformed into a museum that feels more like exploring a beloved family home than a formal gallery.
What makes Palazzo Falson so special? It’s the perfect blend of authentic medieval architecture with the passionate collecting spirit of one extraordinary man – Captain Olof Frederick Gollcher.
The Palazzo’s Medieval Origins
Long before Captain Gollcher transformed it into the museum we know today, Palazzo Falson witnessed centuries of fascinating history. The site originally housed a building called La Rocca, and by the 13th century, a single-storey house stood here. Remarkably, a synagogue once existed on these very grounds – a reminder of Malta’s diverse medieval community.
The current building’s ground floor dates to around 1495, incorporating parts of that earlier synagogue in true Maltese fashion of preserving and adapting rather than destroying. The distinctive Siculo-Norman features – the double serrated string course and elegant hood mold framing the main doorway – showcase the architectural influences that shaped medieval Malta.
The Noble Families Who Called It Home
The palazzo takes its name from the prominent Falsone family, one of medieval Mdina’s most influential households. Family members regularly participated in the city’s municipal affairs, with records of their involvement dating back to 1299. According to tradition, Grand Master Philippe Villiers de L’Isle-Adam himself dined here in 1530 after taking possession of Mdina for the Knights of St. John.
The building later passed through various noble hands, including the Cumbo-Navarra family. One particularly dramatic chapter involved Matteo Falson, Master of the Rod, who fled to Sicily in 1574 after the Inquisition persecuted him for his Lutheran views. The Inquisition seized his palace, a reminder of how religious and political upheavals shaped Malta’s aristocratic families.
By the 1920s, the palazzo belonged to Count Francesco Palermo Navarra Bonici, who lived in Catania. It was from this count that the Gollcher family would eventually purchase their future home.
The Remarkable Story of the Gollcher Family
The Gollcher family’s connection to Malta began in 1848 when the family of Swedish ship owners and traders first arrived on our shores. Their shipping business still operates today as The Gollcher Group, a testament to their lasting impact on Malta’s commercial landscape.
Captain Olof Frederick Gollcher OBE (1889-1962) was born in Valletta to Chevalier Gustav Gollcher and Elisa Gollcher née Balbi. An artist, soldier, collector, and philanthropist, Olof purchased part of this medieval palazzo with his mother in 1927 for £680, later acquiring the remainder in 1938 for £550.
A War Hero’s Story
Olof’s military service shaped both his character and his collecting passion. In 1914, he joined the British Army and served with distinction in both World Wars, achieving the rank of captain by 1945. His bravery and service earned him remarkable honours: in 1936, he became a Knight of Grace of the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, and in 1937, he was appointed Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE).
In 1947, Olof married Teresa ‘Nella’ Lucia née Prior, herself a distinguished officer in the Nursing Division of St. John’s Ambulance. Together, they transformed the palazzo into both a beloved home and a carefully curated collection that would eventually benefit all of Malta.
Every room reflects Olof’s discerning eye and deep appreciation for Mediterranean culture, informed by his travels during military service and his artistic training. Walking through his former home, you get the sense that he’s simply stepped out for afternoon tea and might return at any moment.
Medieval Architecture That Takes Your Breath Away
Dating back to the 13th century, Palazzo Falson represents some of Malta’s finest medieval domestic architecture. The building itself tells the story of Malta’s Norman period, when Mdina was the island’s thriving capital. As you climb the original stone staircases and walk through rooms with soaring ceilings, you’re experiencing the same spaces that housed Maltese nobility for over seven centuries.
The palazzo’s thick limestone walls and narrow windows reflect the practical needs of medieval living: staying cool in summer whilst remaining secure. These architectural features create an atmosphere that’s both intimate and grand, making every room feel like a discovery.
Authentic Medieval Features
The building showcases traditional Maltese architectural elements. Original stone archways frame doorways, whilst wooden ceiling beams (some dating back centuries) span the historic rooms. The interplay between light and shadow through ancient windows creates an ever-changing atmosphere throughout the day.
The Extraordinary Gollcher Collection
Captain Gollcher’s collection spans five centuries and includes artefacts from across Europe and the Mediterranean. This isn’t a sterile museum display – every piece was chosen by Olof himself and arranged in rooms where he lived and entertained guests.
Furniture and Decorative Arts
Each room showcases period furniture that Gollcher carefully selected, from Renaissance chests to Baroque chairs. The collection includes intricate silver pieces, delicate glassware, and ornate rugs that transform each space into a living tableau of European decorative arts.
Arms, Armour, and Historical Artefacts
Olof’s military background influenced his collecting passion for arms and armour. Medieval swords, ornate helmets, and ceremonial weapons are displayed alongside historical manuscripts and ancient coins, creating fascinating glimpses into Malta’s strategic importance throughout history.
Paintings and Fine Arts
The palazzo houses an impressive collection of paintings, including works by European masters and local Maltese artists. Gollcher had a particular eye for portraits and religious scenes, many of which now hang in the same rooms where he once admired them daily.
Your Modern Museum Experience
Today’s Palazzo Falson offers visitors a thoroughly modern museum experience within its medieval walls. Audio guides are available in over 20 languages, whilst the innovative ‘Secrets of Palazzo Falson’ augmented reality game adds an interactive element that makes history come alive.
The museum’s approach respects both the building’s heritage and Captain Gollcher’s vision, maintaining the feeling of a cherished family home whilst providing world-class interpretation and conservation.
Getting to Palazzo Falson
Reaching Palazzo Falson is straightforward and scenic. Take bus route 51 or 52 directly to Mdina – the journey takes about 20 minutes and offers lovely countryside views as you approach the medieval city.
Once you’re in Mdina, Palazzo Falson is just a short walk from the main gate on Villegaignon Street. We always recommend allowing at least two hours for your visit, and booking online can save you queuing time, especially during peak tourist months.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry)
Admission: €12.50 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors
Why Palazzo Falson Deserves Your Time
Visiting Palazzo Falson offers something completely different from Malta’s other attractions. It’s an opportunity to step into the shoes of a passionate collector whilst experiencing authentic medieval architecture in one of Malta’s most beautiful historic cities. The combination of Captain Gollcher’s fascinating story, the building’s remarkable heritage, and the intimate scale makes this museum perfect for couples and solo travellers who appreciate authentic cultural experiences.
Unlike larger, more famous attractions, Palazzo Falson allows you to take your time, absorbing the atmosphere and imagining life in medieval Malta. It represents the same appreciation for genuine heritage that we cherish – real history, personal stories, and the sort of authentic experience that makes our island so special.
Planning your Mdina adventure? Our team at Tiny Malta can suggest the perfect itinerary combining Palazzo Falson with other hidden gems in the Silent City.