The splendid Palazzo Falson, which is one of the oldest surviving homes in Malta, built in the 13th century, has a dazzling and extensive private collection on display, including furniture, watches, silver, jewellery, oriental rugs, paintings, armoury and books.
The Palazzo is named after its 16th century owner Vice Admiral Michele Falsone, although the amazing collection was brought together by researcher, philanthropist and artist Captain Olof Gollcher (1889-1962), who bought the Palazzo in 1927.
After your visit, be sure to have a break at the palazzo’s splendid rooftop café, which commands a panoramic view of Malta, the open sea and the prominent dome of the nearby Mdina Cathedral.
References:The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.
In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.