Ta' Pinu Basilica

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu stands on its own in open countryside near the village of Gharb (Għarb) in western Gozo. Its tall bell tower is visible across the fields, and the basilica is one of the island's main pilgrimage sites. Inside, the old chapel at its heart holds the image of Our Lady that the shrine is built around.

The shrine's own history explains the story. On 22 June 1883, a local woman, Karmni Grima, heard a voice saying "Come, come" as she passed the small chapel of Ta' Pinu. Devotion grew quickly, and construction of the present Romanesque-style church began in 1920. It was blessed and opened in 1932, and in 1935 Pope Pius XI raised it to the dignity of a minor basilica. Pope John Paul II visited in May 1990 and celebrated Mass in the forecourt, and Pope Benedict XVI presented a golden rose to the image at Floriana on Malta on 18 April 2010, after it was brought there from Gozo.

Visiting the basilica

Ta' Pinu is an active place of worship. As of November 2026, the shrine lists weekday Masses at 7:30, 8:30 and 18:30, and Sunday and religious holiday Masses at 6:15, 8:30, 10:00, 11:15 and 17:00. Keep quiet and stay out of the aisles during services. The souvenir shop opens Monday to Friday 9:00 to 15:30, Saturday 9:00 to 18:00, and Sundays and religious holidays 9:00 to 12:30.

• Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, as you would for any church service.
• Combine the visit with the coast at Dwejra, a short drive west.
• The Cittadella in Victoria is a drive away.

Avoid Mass times if you want to look around the interior properly, and allow time to stand in the forecourt, where Pope John Paul II said Mass in 1990, for the view over the surrounding fields.