Would you risk taking your young children to a historic palazzo crammed with priceless, breakable artefacts? Well... why not? 

Pleasing everyone while on holiday is always a compromise. And I should know, as sand castles and sightseeing tours have had to elbow each other on my family holiday itinerary. But there’s always a way to make history fun for the little ones, even if it involves bribing them with a treat! 

My Swiss-born children, Ben, 11 and Eloise, 8, have been exploring the architectural heritage of my birth country ever since they could walk. And they know what they like.

This month, they’re looking back at their treasure hunt in Mdina.

Palazzo Falson

No trip to Malta is complete without a visit to the medieval walled city of Mdina. Perched atop a hill in the centre of the island, majestic and elegant Mdina transports you to the world of yesteryear, and is full of palazzi built by Sicilian, Spanish and local noble families. 

The 'silent city', as it is known, is car-free, which makes it very pleasant to walk around, especially with children. There is a delightful play area just outside the gates of the city, and the ditch of the fortifications has recently been transformed into a public garden. 

First built in the 13th century then subsequently extended, Palazzo Falson is one of the oldest buildings in Mdina. Today it houses the eclectic, priceless collection of art, silver, furniture, jewellery, oriental rugs, armoury and books of its last owner, Capt. Olof Gollcher. There are 3,500 objets d’art to explore, and the library counts 4,500 books. 

I first visited this museum when my son was only two years old, but he was not allowed in because of the palazzo’s strict age restriction (which does not permit children under the age of 6 years to enter). I had to wait impatiently outside while my husband toured the museum on his own. 

Still, I was sure to return when my children were old enough, and this time I couldn’t get them out of there. The museum has a number of projects aimed at children aged 6 to 12 years. Apart from enjoying free entrance, children are treated to a very informative free activity book that takes them on a treasure hunt through the museum. 

Ben and Eloise were just 8 and 6 years old when they visited the museum, but they still remember it well, and their activity books still take pride of place at home. At the time it gave the children a sense of purpose as they walked through an otherwise very grown-up space. Even I found the book entertaining, and felt it reflected the colourful character of the palazzo’s last owner. 

You need time to enjoy the many delights of the palazzo, as every room has new surprises. After trawling through 14 rooms from the armoury through to the chapel and even a carpet gallery (phew!) we were rewarded with a glorious view from the rooftop… oh, and a delicious cake from the cafe up there. The kids had earned their treat, and so had I!

Ben says: Visit it when your children can write, because then they can really enjoy doing the activity book which was great fun. 9/10

Eloise says: Mdina is a really fun place to visit. It is very child-friendly. Palazzo Falson was fun and extremely interesting. I loved the activity book. Mdina gets 8/10 but Palazzo Falson gets 10/10.

Mum says: I had my heart in my mouth throughout the visit for fear that the kids would break something, but I needn’t have worried. The activity book and pencil kept their hands occupied and kept them engaged throughout the long visit. The museum has limited special-needs access and does not have a lift, but it does organise special touching tours for the blind and visually impaired.

Palazzo Falson is open Tuesdays to Sundays 10am to 5pm (last visit 4pm). Closed on New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.