Palazzo Falzon, also called the Palazzo Cumbo Navarra, the Norman House and Casa dei Castelletti, was supposedly built between 1495 and the mid-16th century, although parts of it may have been erected in the 13th century. This makes Palazzo Falzon the second oldest building in the city (the first place is occupied by Palazzo Santa Sofia). Falzon Palace is currently open to the public. It has been transformed into a historical house-museum. In the luxuriously furnished rooms, giving an idea of the life and life of the local aristocracy in past centuries, a collection of antique furniture, art canvases, crockery and weapons is presented.
According to some historians, a synagogue once stood on the site of the Norman House. It was decided not to dismantle, and simply included in the future palace. The Falzon Palace, named after its most famous owners who lived here since the 16th century, is a two-storey building with a cosy courtyard. The arched windows and unadorned façades show that this is a typical fortress palace favoured by the local aristocrats. The ceremonial rooms for gentlemen were located on the first floor. The ground floor was reserved for the servants. The floors were divided by a two-level cornice. Similar cornices can be seen in the palace of Santa Sofia in Mdina and in Palazzo Montalto in Syracuse.
Palazzo Falzon is famous for being the place where Grand Master Philippe Villiers de Lille Adam stayed during his visit to Mdina. The building had been renovated for his arrival. After the flight from Malta of Messrs Falzon, who had problems with the Inquisition, the palace was confiscated and presented to the Cumbo-Navarra family, after whom the building is also sometimes named. The name "Normandy House" was adopted by the last owner of the palace, the military man Olof Frederick Gollcher, a passionate collector who bequeathed all his property, including this house, to the Maltese government on the condition that a museum would be opened here. The Maltese authorities honoured Gollcher's last will and testament.
