Ta’Pinu Basilica

Not far from Dwejra bay, you can find another must see attraction in Gozo: Ta’Pinu Basilica.

There’s no place like it! This impressive construction is located in the middle of nowhere, lost in an ocean of hills with the sea in background. The esplanade with its mosaic and statutes combined with the landscape around is perfect for a great souvenir photo!

The basilica is also an important pilgrimage site for Maltese people. It all started in 1883, when a woman from the village heard the voice of the Virgin Mary coming from what was then just a chapel. Several miracles followed, so the villagers decided to build a bigger church to honor the Virgin Mary.

Ta’Pinu Basilica was completed in 1931. Both Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI came there to pray. You can also see the original chapel, located just behind the basilica.

Even if simpler than other Maltese churches, the inside of Ta’Pinu Basilica is a pure architectural masterpiece. The marble canopy, mosaics, stained-glass windows and stunning Maltese stone sculptures are definitely worth a look.

You’ll also be able to visit the ex-voto gallery: all the letters, portraits and various objects left by people to honor the Virgin Mary miracles are kept there.

In addition to the visit of this architectural masterpiece, you can enjoy a short walk with a marked path in front of the basilica. It features numerous statutes along the way symbolizing the Stations of the Cross. Once you have reached the top of a hill, you can enjoy the amazing view over Gozo and its surroundings.