Churches and chapels dot the island of Gozo. Some are landmarks in their own right, standing as constant reminders of the deep importance religion has held for the island over the centuries. But these sacred spaces are more than places of worship and devotion. Often, they are treasure troves of art and architecture, housing works by some of the finest local artists and exhibiting stunning craftsmanship that gives them cultural and artistic significance well beyond their religious role. While there are nearly 50 churches and chapels across the island, today we step inside five of Gozo’s most beautiful and important churches.
Ta’ Pinu National Shrine, limits of Għarb
Rising to a height of 61 metres on the outskirts of the village of Għarb, the church of Ta’ Pinu dominates the sleepy Gozitan countryside on the western side of the island. The church parvis is perhaps as impressive as the building itself, having quite recently been embellished with glittering mosaic on each side representing the stations of the cross. The parvis affords uniterrupted views of the countryside, with the Ta’ Ġurdan Lighthouse and the chapel of Saint Demetrius in the distance, and is the perfect place where to enjoy spectacular sunsets.
The construction of the Ta’ Pinu sanctuary began in 1920, following an increase in the number of pilgrims flocking to the humble chapel where the Byzantine-style church now stands. The interest in this chapel rose after two locals, Karmni Grima and Francesco Portelli, had claimed to have heard a woman’s voice inviting them to step inside and pray on separate occasions, with the bishop at that time saying the voice was of heavenly origins. Ever since opening its doors in 1935, the church has welcomed thousands of visitors from across the globe, with Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis being two of the most notable visitors.
The shrine has become a place of spiritual solace and healing, with many visiting to pray for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin in difficult times. Two rooms on either side of the altar at Ta’ Pinu are, in fact, covered with ex-votos in the form of hand-written stories, photos, clothing, crutches, newspaper clippings and other items that bear testament to the divine intervention of the Blessed Virgin. These rooms, together with the Sanctuary Museum housing paintings by some of the islands’ most celebrated artists, are open to the public.
The Gozo Cathedral, Victoria
The magnificent Gozo Catheral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is housed within the fortified walls of Gozo’s ancient city. The present church, which was officially inaugurated in 1711, is perhaps best known for being part of the legacy of the Maltese Islands’ foremost Baroque architect Lorenzo Gafà. Imposing paintings – a couple measuring more than four metres, making them the largest in Gozo, huge chandeliers, and multi-couloured marble tombstone slabs complement Gafà’s architectural hallmarks, lending magnificence to this place of worship. The trompe l’œil dome, a painting that gives the illusion of depth on a flat surface, is another stand-out feature of this church. The church’s splendour reaches new heights in mid-August, as the community prepares for the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, when the interior is decked in rich damask. A visit to the Gozo cathedral can be combined with a tour of the cathedral museum and vestry, which are open to visitors from Monday to Saturday between 9.00am and 5.00pm. Tickets are available from the cathedral gift shop.
Parish Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Żebbuġ
Another church dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary stands proudly at the core of the hilltop village of Żebbuġ, one of the highest and most windswept points in Gozo. The interior is what truly sets this church apart, as it is embellished with onyx. What makes this even more extraordinary is the origin of the material itself: the onyx was discovered right in Żebbuġ, in a private field. Adding to the church’s uniqueness is the sculpted stone, hand-chiselled by the very people of Żebbuġ—renowned across the islands for their exceptional masonry skills. In fact, the villagers also contributed to the construction of churches across the Maltese Islands, including the Shrine of Ta’ Pinu.
Saint George’s Basilica, Victoria
At the heart of Victoria one finds Saint George’s Basilica, with the present building dating to 1678. The interior of this church is covered in marble, and the pièce de résistance is arguably the gold-gilded bronze canopy that rises above the white Carrara marble altar. The Basilica is a trove of sacred art executed by some of the finest artists to have lived and worked in Malta, including Mattia Preti, Giuseppe Calì, Giuseppe d’Arena and Francesco Zahra. The most recent embellishment to have further enriched this building was the decoration of the neo-Byzantine chapel found inside the church with Byzantine-style mosaic, reflecting the universality of the Christian Church. The stillness and timeless beauty that await visitors inside this church offer a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of the small piazza in which Saint George’s Basilica is located. A visit to Saint George’s Basilica can be combined with a visit to the nearby museum, Il-Ħaġar, which houses a permanent collection of religious and historical artefacts together with year-round temporary exhibitions.
The Rotunda of Saint John the Baptist, Xewkija
Located at the heart of the village of Xewkija, this is Gozo’s largest church and one of the most recognisable landmarks. The church made headlines earlier this year after lightning had struck the bell tower, causing structural damage. The church takes part of its name, rotunda, from its striking circular design and monumental dome. The architect behind the Rotunda drew up plans for the church in the 1950s, inspired by the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice. That influence is visible in the church’s towering columns—eight in total—each clad in white local limestone. Stained glass windows, paintings depicting key episodes from the life of St John the Baptist and marble flooring complement the church’s impressive architecture. Visitors can take a lift up to the base of the dome, where panoramic views of Gozo await.
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