The Ta’ Pinu National Sanctuary is currently on the final phase of the restoration and conversion works at the residence of Karmni Grima, the lady from Gharb who, in 1883 heard our Lady calling her from the Ta’ Pinu Chapel.

Ta’ Pinu National Shrine plans to re-open this residence as a Museum, to enrich the cultural and religious touristic experience of whoever visits the Ta’ Pinu National Shrine in Gozo. It is now approaching the final phase before being re-opened to the public.These works are being carried out under the project entitled ‘Discovering cultural and religious tourism in Gozo,’ with the support of an EU financial grant of 85% on a project cost of €400,000, under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for Malta 2007 -2013.

This financial aid includes also the restoration works on 12 works of art by Maltese artist, Joseph Briffa, which (works) are now completed.

The Minister for Gozo, Dr Anton Refalo visited the restoration work at the house, where he was greeting by the Rector of the Sanctuary, Fr. Gerald Buhagiar.

The Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment “to promote our country, namely Gozo, as an ideal destination for both cultural and religious tourism, which is a relatively new niche market.”

He added that “the National Toursim Strategy will identify a clear plan for tourism in Gozo.”

The project of restoration and conservation of Karmni Grima House Museum includes structural work, the installation of new lighting systems with an audio-visual presentation of the life of Karmni Grima and the message received from our Lady from the Ta’ Pinu Chapel, the installation of a lift so that the museum is accessible to everyone, as well as installing a solar powered electricity system.

Fr Gerald Buhagiar explained the thinking behind this investment, saying “that the museum is being equipped as required by tthe needs of museums in today’s world, this in turn draws religious tourism to focus on our country, to the island of Gozo.

“Religious tourism is a very important niche in the tourism industry. It is estimated that about 300-330 million pilgrims visit religious sites around the world.”

“Much of the restoration work has been carried out by contractors Baron Contracts, who have vast experience in this work, ” Rector Fr Gerald Buhagiar concluded.

Works being carried out at the museum also involved the completed restoration of 12 paintings, by Maltese artist, Joseph Briffa, which are reproduced in mosaic. This artistic heritage shows twelve episodes in the life of the Madonna and were worked between 1948 and 1952.

The restoration of the painting of Joseph Briffa was entrusted to Fr Charles Vella and Joanna Hili Micallef.

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