Ta’ Pinu Basilica - Mary Matha Church, Nagina Bijnor
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Ta’ Pinu Basilica

4.7
·10k reviews·Għarb, Malta

A serene national shrine on Gozo, famed for its Neo-Romantic architecture and believed miracles.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Experience tranquility

CrowdLow
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Ta’ Pinu Basilica - Mary Matha Church, Nagina Bijnor

Ta’ Pinu Basilica

Best Time

Early mornings

Experience tranquility

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene national shrine on Gozo, famed for its Neo-Romantic architecture and believed miracles.

4.7
(10k reviews)

"A truly special and peaceful place with a calming, spiritual atmosphere."

Vertical photo
TIP

Modesty is a Must

Ensure shoulders and knees are covered before entering this holy site.

Embrace the Peace

Take time to soak in the spiritual atmosphere and quiet contemplation.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Neo-Romantic Architecture

Neo-Romantic Architecture

Admire the stunning Neo-Romantic design of this grand basilica, a testament to faith and artistry.

Instagram
Miracle & Healing Gallery

Miracle & Healing Gallery

Explore rooms filled with heartfelt messages, thank-yous, and mementos from those who believe they've experienced healing.

InstagramReddit
Stations of the Cross Hill

Stations of the Cross Hill

Ascend the nearby hill for a contemplative walk and breathtaking panoramic views of Gozo.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Attire is Key

As a sacred site, modest dress is required. Shoulders and knees should be covered to show respect. This is a common courtesy for visiting churches and religious landmarks in Malta. Reddit

Timing Your Visit for Serenity

The basilica can be busy with tour groups. Consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to experience its peaceful atmosphere and avoid crowds. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Experience tranquility
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Fewer tour groups
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Esto me pareció hermoso y muy simbólico 🥹🤍 #CapCut #vaticano #aguabendita #aguanbenditavaticano #tipsdeviaje #basilicadesanpedro #roma #quehacerenroma
@melibardet
129.3K likes • 1.6M views

Modesty is a Must

Ensure shoulders and knees are covered before entering this holy site. Reddit

Embrace the Peace

Take time to soak in the spiritual atmosphere and quiet contemplation. Reddit

The gift shop closes for a few minutes whenever a service is about to begin. If that happens while you’re at the Vatican, just take a stroll around the basilica and go back in 20 minutes 🥰 Let me know if you were able to get holy water this way 👇🏻 #jubilee2025 #rometraveltips #vatican
@yourfriendinitaly
113.7K likes • 1.4M views
Prawda, że pięknie? 😍 Ta bajecznie wyglądająca budowla to bazylika Ta’ Pinu, usytuowana u stóp wzgórza Ghammar w pobliżu miejscowości Għarb. ⛪ Kościół, wybudowany w XX wieku na miejscu starej XVI-wiecznej kaplicy, w której według wierzeń doszło niegdyś do objawienia Matki Boskiej. Modlitwy odmawiane w kaplicy miały uratować wyspę Gozo przed panującą w tamtym czasie zarazą. Bazylika to jednak ni...
visitmaltapoland
429 likes • 0 views

Walk the Sacred Path

Don't miss the Stations of the Cross for stunning views and reflection. Reddit

Capture the Beauty

The basilica's exterior and surrounding landscape offer incredible photo opportunities. Instagram

Doposiaľ jeden z najkrajších kostolov, ktoré som videl - Bażilika Tal-Madonna Ta' Pinu Mill Gharb. Len tak postavený popri ceste na malom ostrove Gozo. ⛪🇲🇹
tomaskoky654
148 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Modesty is a Must

Ensure shoulders and knees are covered before entering this holy site. Reddit

Embrace the Peace

Take time to soak in the spiritual atmosphere and quiet contemplation. Reddit

Walk the Sacred Path

Don't miss the Stations of the Cross for stunning views and reflection. Reddit

Capture the Beauty

The basilica's exterior and surrounding landscape offer incredible photo opportunities. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(10k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently describe Ta' Pinu Basilica as a special, peaceful, and spiritually uplifting place. Its beautiful architecture and the touching stories of miracles and healing resonate deeply with many, regardless of their religious beliefs. The nearby Stations of the Cross offer stunning views and an added contemplative experience.

"A truly special and peaceful place. The Ta’ Pinu Basilica is not only beautiful from the outside with its stunning architecture, but the inside has a calming, spiritual atmosphere. The story behind it — of a local woman hearing the Virgin Mary’s voice in the 1880s — makes the place feel even more meaningful. There are rooms full of heartfelt messages and thank-yous from people all over the world. If you have time, walk up the nearby hill with the Stations of the Cross — the views are amazing. Definitely worth a visit whether you’re religious or just appreciate history and quiet places."

Mat Benda

"This a beautiful Catholic Shrine of Blessed irgin Mary. The story of the church and Shrine is uniquely beautiful.
The church has been build out of small Chapel where the picture of Mother Mary of TA' PINU is located.
Inside is the gallery with pictures and letters of all miracles and healing that took place as of Mother Mary and Frances.

The basilica is very peaceful inside.

The church is not open at all times.

Modesty is necessary when coming to holy space like Shrine."

Viola M

"Very nice enormous basilica with a touching story emblematic of the history and culture of Malta. Eminently walkable area and along many tour bus routes for a 10-minute photo stop. Highly recommend walking around outside and inside to catch all the gems of this wonderful place!"

Danielle Ondrasek

What People Like

Peaceful and spiritual atmosphere
Touching stories of miracles
Beautiful architecture

What People Dislike

Can be busy with tours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

To reach Ta' Pinu Basilica on Gozo, you'll first need to take a ferry from Malta to Gozo. Once on Gozo, you can hire a taxi, use local buses (routes may vary, check schedules), or rent a car to get to the basilica. Reddit

Yes, local buses serve the area around Ta' Pinu Basilica. It's advisable to check the latest bus routes and schedules for Gozo, as they can change. Reddit

Depending on your starting point on Gozo, walking might be an option, especially if you are staying nearby in Għarb. However, it's a significant distance from ferry terminals. Reddit

Yes, there is typically parking available for visitors near the basilica, which is convenient if you are arriving by car. Reddit

Many visitors find renting a car or scooter offers the most flexibility for exploring Gozo and reaching Ta' Pinu Basilica at your own pace. Taxis are also readily available. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the main basilica is generally free. However, donations are always appreciated to help maintain this sacred site. Reddit

The basilica is not open at all times. It's best to check the most current opening hours before your visit, as they can vary. Reddit

The walk up the hill for the Stations of the Cross is typically free to access. Reddit

You can visit during services, but it's important to be mindful and respectful of those participating. Some areas might have restricted access during ceremonies. Reddit

Photography is usually permitted inside the basilica, but it's always good practice to be discreet and respectful, especially during services. Reddit

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

The basilica is built on the site of a 16th-century chapel where a local woman, Karmni Grima, heard the voice of the Virgin Mary in 1883. This event led to the basilica's construction and its status as a national shrine. InstagramReddit

Inside, you'll find beautiful Neo-Romantic architecture, a serene atmosphere, and rooms filled with votive offerings, letters, and mementos from pilgrims who believe they've received miracles or healing. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The walk offers a spiritual experience and rewards you with stunning panoramic views of the Gozo countryside and coastline. Reddit

Modest attire is required. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered out of respect for this sacred religious site. Reddit

It is both. While it's a deeply significant national shrine and pilgrimage site for Catholics, its stunning architecture and historical context also make it a major tourist attraction. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Pilgrims and the Devout

For those on a spiritual journey, Ta' Pinu Basilica is a must-visit destination. It's a national shrine with a rich history of reported miracles and healings, drawing pilgrims from around the world. The atmosphere inside is deeply reverent, and the numerous thank-you notes and offerings serve as powerful testaments to faith. Consider attending a service or spending quiet time in prayer to fully immerse yourself in the spiritual significance of this sacred site. InstagramReddit

Culture and History Enthusiasts

Even if you're not religious, Ta' Pinu Basilica offers a fascinating glimpse into Maltese culture and history. Its Neo-Romantic architecture is a sight to behold, and the story behind its construction is a compelling narrative of faith and local legend. Exploring the rooms filled with votive offerings provides a unique insight into the beliefs and experiences of past visitors. The nearby Stations of the Cross also offer historical context and beautiful views. InstagramReddit

Photographers and View Seekers

The basilica's impressive exterior and its dramatic setting make it a prime spot for photographers. For breathtaking panoramic shots of Gozo, make sure to climb the hill with the Stations of the Cross. The vistas from here are truly spectacular, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Miraculous Origins of Ta' Pinu

The story of Ta' Pinu Basilica is deeply rooted in faith and miracles. It's said that in 1883, a local woman named Karmni Grima heard the voice of the Virgin Mary while passing an old chapel on this very spot. This divine encounter led to the chapel becoming a place of pilgrimage, and eventually, the grand basilica was constructed around it. The basilica stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the Maltese people and the belief in divine intervention. InstagramReddit

Visitors often feel a profound sense of peace and spirituality within its walls. The basilica is not just an architectural marvel but a living testament to countless prayers and believed miracles. The numerous votive offerings, letters of thanks, and personal mementos displayed inside are a powerful reminder of the profound impact this site has had on individuals' lives. InstagramReddit

Experiencing the Basilica and its Surroundings

Ta' Pinu Basilica is renowned for its striking Neo-Romantic architecture, characterized by its imposing facade and intricate details. The interior is equally impressive, radiating a sense of calm and devotion. Beyond the basilica itself, a visit to the nearby hill featuring the Stations of the Cross is highly recommended. This contemplative walk offers a chance for reflection and is rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Gozitan landscape, stretching out towards the sea. InstagramReddit

For those seeking a deeper connection, the basilica offers a unique spiritual experience. Even if you're not religious, the palpable sense of devotion and the historical significance of the site can be deeply moving. The surrounding area is also quite picturesque, making it a wonderful spot for photography and quiet contemplation away from the hustle and bustle. Reddit

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