Royal Beach Club Santorini
Plan your visit
Entry is free. Cover shoulders and knees, and check Mass times on the shrine's website so you can visit between services.
About this place
Ta' Pinu rises out of open farmland near the village of Għarb, its pale stone bell tower visible across the fields of western Gozo. It began as a small chapel. In 1883 a local woman, Karmni Grima, said she heard a voice there calling her to pray, reports of healings followed, and the chapel became a place of pilgrimage. The basilica that now surrounds it was built between 1920 and 1931.
The original chapel survives inside, and the corridors are lined with ex-votos left by people who believe their prayers were answered: letters, photographs, baby clothes, crutches and model ships. Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass here in 1990, and Pope Francis visited in 2022.
Even if you are not religious it is a peaceful stop, and the rural setting is part of the experience. It is a working shrine, so expect Masses and keep your voice down.
A peaceful pilgrimage site in a lovely rural setting, and worth the short detour from Victoria whatever your beliefs.
Location
Find Ta' Pinu Basilica
Ta' Pinu stands in open countryside just outside Għarb in north-west Gozo, about ten minutes' drive from Victoria.
Coordinates: 36.0619° N · 14.2149° E
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Travel series
Celebrity Xcel Med
This series follows our seven-night Mediterranean sailing aboard Celebrity Xcel, beginning in Athens and ending in Barcelona. Along the way, we explore Santorini, Mykonos, Ephesus and Valletta, with two sea days to slow down and enjoy the ship.
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