Ta’ Pinu Basilica - Għarb, Gozo - Romanesque Entrance and Stone Rose Window

The main entrance of Ta’ Pinu Basilica near Għarb, featuring a deeply arched portal, decorative limestone arcading and an ornate stone rose window.

This photograph presents the main entrance façade of Ta’ Pinu Basilica near Għarb on the island of Gozo. Warm Maltese limestone glows in the sunlight, emphasizing the deeply recessed entrance arch, paired columns and rows of decorative arcading, while an elaborate stone rose window forms the focal point of the upper façade. The carefully proportioned Romanesque-inspired details are characteristic of the monumental sanctuary that developed around the much older Chapel of Ta’ Pinu. Devotion at the site grew considerably following the events of 1883, when Karmela Grima reported hearing a woman’s voice calling her from the historic chapel. The increasing number of pilgrims eventually led to construction of the present church, designed by Maltese architect Andrea Vassallo with strong Neo-Lombard Romanesque influences. Building began in 1920, while the historic chapel was preserved as part of the enlarged sanctuary. The new church was blessed and opened in 1932 and was elevated to the dignity of a Minor Basilica in 1935. Today its richly carved limestone façade is among the most recognizable examples of religious architecture on Gozo.