25c for cathedral visit

I have had the opportunity to experience an episode that left me bewildered beyond all measure.

Along with a group of relatives of mine holidaying in Malta from the US, I went to visit the Gozo Cathedral at Victoria. As we were about to enter the sacred building, we were met by a "receptionist" sitting at a desk and forking out tickets to visitors against a fee of 25c per visitor and pointing out that the entrance covered both the cathedral and its museum (how generous!). Now I wouldn't mind paying even more than that amount to visit the museum but, having visited many other churches and cathedrals both locally and abroad, I must say that I have never come across any such practices.

One is not even charged to enter St Peter's Basilica in Rome. Perhaps the Gozo Cathedral Chapter might think their temple is more important than the seat of Peter.

Or else it could be yet another opportunity to make a quick buck off the tourists who visit our islands. Malta Tourism Authority, please note!