A Guide to Ta’ Pinu Shrine in Gozo, Malta [2024]
Visiting the Ta’ Pinu Shrine in Gozo, Malta? Here’s everything you need to know. Includes how to get to Ta’ Pinu Shrine, things to do at Ta’ Pinu Shrine and opening hours and entrance fees.
Ta’ Pinu Shrine in Gozo, Malta
Despite its ornate appearance, the Ta’ Pinu Shrine is still relatively under-visited by tourists, so you should definitely visit sooner rather than later.
What is the Ta’ Pinu Shrine?
Built long before the 1500s, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu (better known as simply the Ta’ Pinu Shrine) is an impressive Roman Catholic religious structure in Gozo, Malta. In fact, it is widely considered one of Malta’s most sacred shrines, as all as architectural masterpiece.
Majestic appearance of Ta’ Pinu Shrine
The Ta’ Pinu Shrine is huge!
The origins of the shrine aren’t known to precise detail, but what we do know is that by 1575, Pope Gregory XIII had already found the shrine to be in poor condition. Over the centuries, the Shrine went through several iterations – being rebuilt and improved again and again until it was consecrated in 1932. Today, the Shrine is visited all year by pilgrims.
The interior of Ta’ Pinu Shrine, Gozo
Matching its importance, is Ta’ Pinu’s aesthetic beauty. Located in the green fields out in Gozo’s countryside, visitors are treated to a visual experience as they pull up to the shrine. Gozo is certainly filled with an abundance of amazing attractions, and the Ta’ Pinu shrine is no exception.
Beautiful ceiling details of the Ta’ Pinu Shrine
How do I get to the Ta’ Pinu Shrine?
By Car
Driving around Gozo Island is super easy and efficient. Because the island is so small, you can zoom by and visit so many attractions in one day, which makes it the best way to see Ta’ Pinu Shrine. We would highly recommend renting a car to get around Gozo (if you’re coming from Malta Island, search ‘Malta to Gozo Car Ferry’ on Google to find out how you can bring your rental car from Malta to Gozo).
We think driving in Gozo is the best option to visit Ta’ Pinu Shrine
All roads will lead to Triq ta’ Pinu. Once you turn onto the road, you won’t miss it as the shrine is huge. The drive to the shrine is simple enough, just type in ‘Ta’ Pin Shrine’ in your Maps application. There are no major issues or confusing roads or anything like that, and the road in front of the shrine is asphalted, so you can get there easily with a small car.
Parking is also effortless, as the shrine has a designated parking space with plenty of bays as well as toilets.
By Bus
Reaching Ta’ Pinu Shrine by the public bus is also completely possible, but will just take a bit more time. For example, driving from the Citadella in Victoria takes about 10 minutes, while taking the bus will take closer to 20 minutes.
The bus system in Gozo is relatively good compared to other remote islands in the world, but it can still be a hassle to wait for busses to come at infrequent times. However, on the flip side, taking the bus will definitely save you money compared to renting a car.
Bus number 308 will drop you off right in front of the shrine, while buses number 311 and 312 can drop you off a few minutes’ walk from the shrine.
Anything else I should know?
You should take some time visit this shrine, and not rush – trust me! The exterior of the shrine and the interior are as impressive as each other, and deserve your quality time. Walking around the grounds, I felt like I was in some sort of video game set (like in the middle of Assassin’s Creed or something) – quite a surreal feeling!
Walking around Ta’ Pinu Shrine, I felt like I was in a video game
Outside the church, you’ll find beautifully crafted mosaic pieces of either side of the church. These mosaics were installed in 2017 so are relatively new to the shrine.
These beautiful mosaics were installed in 2017
As you walk inside, you’ll also find the Ta’ Pinu museum where you can learn more about the history of this sacred site.
Other places to see
There are so many awesome things to see around Gozo Island, so we recommend visiting other sites such as the Tal Mixta Cave, Citadella and Rotunda St. John Baptist Church to complete your day in Gozo. Check out our post on the Tal Mixta Cave to find out more about the alluring cave!
Check out our other posts on attractions around Malta! We visited Gnejna Bay, a golden beach that we loved. We also found Sliema’s best sunset spot at Tigne Point peninsula, which you can read all about here.
Ta’ Pinu Shrine Opening Hours and Fees
Ta’ Pinu Museum Opening Hours
Open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 – 16:00 and Sunday, 9:00 – 12:30.
Ta’ Pinu Shrine Opening Hours
Open from Monday to Saturday, 7:00 – 19:00 and Sunday, 6:00 – 19:00.
Entrance Fees
Entrance to the Ta’ Pinu Shrine is free (yippee)!