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Ta' Pinu Sanctuary
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Historical site
The Sanctuary of Ta' Pinu is a Roman Catholic basilica and national shrine located near the village of Għarb on Gozo. The history of the church as a pilgrimage site began in 1883 when a local woman, Karmni Grima, heard a voice speaking to her from a small chapel. Construction of the current monumental church in Neo-Romanesque style began in 1920 and was consecrated in 1931. The basilica is a masterpiece of Maltese stonemasonry, featuring intricate sculptures and mosaics depicting biblical scenes. Inside is the original 16th-century chapel, which was completely integrated into the new building. The forecourt is decorated with modern mosaics created by artists from various countries. Thousands of pilgrims visit the site annually to pray for healing and protection. Opposite the basilica, a Way of the Cross with life-sized marble statues leads up Ta' Għammar Hill, offering a wide view over the Gozitan landscape.
- Location: Malta
- Top sights: Basilica of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu · View on Basilica · Ta' Ghammar
- Nearby: Marsalforn (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 17 |
| Rain mm | 74 | 67 | 53 | 35 | 17 | 12 | 4 | 10 | 63 | 83 | 92 | 83 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The sanctuary is open daily to pilgrims and visitors; entry is free of charge. The basilica with the miraculous image and adjacent chapels can be visited.
Typical hours
The sanctuary typically has long opening hours from early morning until evening. Services and masses take place several times daily.
Photography
Photography inside the basilica is usually allowed without flash, but restricted near the altar. Exterior shots of the impressive facade are always possible.
Time needed
A visit lasts about 45 minutes to an hour to explore the basilica, museum, and cloister. Pilgrims often spend extra time in prayer.
Combine with
The sanctuary is on Gozo, near the town of Għarb. A visit to the neighbouring Dwejra nature reserve with the Azure Window (now collapsed) and the Inland Sea complements the trip.
Getting there
From Malta, take the ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mgarr on Gozo. From Mgarr, bus 301 goes directly to the sanctuary; the journey takes about 30 minutes.
Insider tip
Visit the sanctuary early in the morning to experience an atmosphere of silence and devotion. The attached cafe serves traditional Gozitan pastizzi.
Geography
Facts
- The vision of Karmni Grima occurred on June 22, 1883.
- Pope John Paul II visited the sanctuary in 1990.
- The construction of the basilica took eleven years, from 1920 to 1931.
- The church tower is 61 meters high.
- The altarpiece depicts the Assumption of Mary and dates back to 1619.
- The mosaics on the forecourt consist of over one million individual stones.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Ta' Pinu Sanctuary (10)
Basilica of the Visitation
Church in Għarb, Malta, dedicated to the Visitation of Mary.
Ta' Dbieġi Crafts Village
Craft village with workshops and shops.
Ta' Dbiegi
Hill in Malta, near Għarb.
Bażilika tal-Madonna tal-Patroċinju
Church in Malta dedicated to Our Lady of Patronage.
Ġordan Lighthouse
Lighthouse on Gozo, marking the northwest coast.
Żebbuġ War Shelters🏛 museum
World War II underground shelters in Żebbuġ.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ta' Pinu Basilica?
A national shrine and a major pilgrimage site on Gozo.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, entrance to the basilica is free.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, shoulders and knees should be covered as a sign of respect.
What is there to see outside the church?
Impressive mosaics on the parvis and a Way of the Cross on the hill opposite.
Where is the basilica located?
Near the village of Gharb in western Gozo.
Ta' Pinu Sanctuary: where is it located?
Ta' Pinu Sanctuary is located in Malta.
Ta' Pinu Sanctuary: what is there to see?
Highlights include Basilica of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu, View on Basilica, Ta' Ghammar.
Ta' Pinu Sanctuary: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Ta' Pinu Sanctuary: why is it worth visiting?
The Sanctuary of Ta' Pinu is a Roman Catholic basilica and national shrine located near the village of Għarb on Gozo.
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