Cathedrals and Churches in Malta

BASILICA OF TA' PINU

The Basilica of Ta' Pinu is the most famous place of pilgrimage for the Maltese islanders.
Its origins go back to a day in June in 1883, when a peasant women heard the voice of the Virgin Mary in an old chapel. In the following years, many miracles and acts of grace were manifested at the site. It is commonly held that the prayers said in the chapel saved Gozo from the plague which had stricken Malta at that time. The locals therefore decided to build
a larger and more magnificent church on the site in honour of the Blessed Virgin.
Funds were raised from Gozitans, including those living abroad.
Works on the new church began in 1920, with voluntary labour from the local community.
In 1931, Ta' Pinu was consecrated and a year later Pope Pius XI raised it to the status of Basilica. The original 16th century chapel was fully integrated into the new church.
You can see it at the far end, replete with its original paintings and votive tablets.
The church, with its fine tower, was built in the Romanesque style and dominates the skyline. The history of Ta' Pinu is a example of the strong links the Gozitans have with the Catholic faith.