Ta' Pinu National Shrine

Ta' Pinu is one of those spots that hits you the moment you see it. This imposing Basilica sits on its own in open Gozitan countryside, just outside the village of Għarb. That isolation is what makes it so compelling to shoot. The honey coloured Maltese limestone seems to glow in warm light, and the soaring bell tower gives you a strong vertical anchor no matter where you position yourself. For exterior shots, you've got clean sight lines from almost every direction since there are no surrounding buildings to work around. The plaza is lined with marble statues and detailed mosaic panels on either side of the Basilica, which give you plenty of foreground options. Across the road, Ta' Għammar Hill has a path lined with 14 white Carrara marble Stations of the Cross statues leading up to the top, and from up there you get a wide view back down toward the basilica with the countryside stretching out behind it. Inside, the pale golden stone, six mosaics, and intricate stained glass windows fill the space with coloured light, especially in the morning when the sun is lower. Keep in mind that Mediterranean midday light is harsh out here with very little shade, so early morning and late afternoon will give you the best results. There is free parking right across from the basilica, and it opens at 7am most days. If you plan to photograph the interior shoulders and knees need to be covered. (Għarb, Island of Gozo, Malta)