House of Virgin Mary Overview and Significance
The House of Virgin Mary, known in Turkish as Meryem Ana Evi, sits on the wooded slopes of Mount Koressos (Bülbüldağı) above ancient Ephesus, near the town of Selçuk in İzmir Province. For many Christian and Muslim pilgrims, this modest stone dwelling, now a small chapel, marks the place where Mary, the mother of Jesus, is believed to have spent her final years under the care of the Apostle John. The atmosphere is quiet and contemplative, with candles, a trickling spring, and a “wishing wall” where visitors leave handwritten petitions.
The site attracts visitors from diverse faiths and backgrounds. The Roman Catholic Church has not ruled definitively on its authenticity, yet it has long encouraged devotion here; the shrine has received apostolic blessings, and several popes have prayed at the House of the Virgin Mary. This ecumenical character, venerated by Muslims as well as Christians, visits less about “Proving” history and more about entering a living place of prayer.
History of the House of the Virgin Mary
The modern story of the House of Virgin Mary begins in the 19th century with the visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774–1824), an Augustinian nun in Germany. After Emmerich’s death, the poet Clemens Brentano published descriptions of her visions, including details about a house near Ephesus where Mary lived. In 1891, French Lazarist missionaries, following those descriptions, located the ruins of a small stone building on Mount Koressos. Their discovery revived a medieval tradition connecting Mary’s final years to Ephesus and gave rise to the restoration of the site as a place of pilgrimage.
What they found was a four-walled, roofless structure, long known to local villagers and venerated annually on August 15, the date of the Dormition/Assumption in the Christian calendar. The house was gradually restored; over time, it became a chapel, and devotion spread rapidly. The Lazarists’ role, especially the efforts of Sister Marie de Mandat-Grancey, who helped secure and preserve the property, remains central to the shrine’s modern identity.
Location and How to Get to the House of the Virgin Mary
Practically speaking, the House of Virgin Mary lies in the hills above Selçuk, roughly 7 km from Ephesus, and about 7 km from Selçuk, depending on your starting gate in the archaeological zone. It is about 70 km from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. Roads are paved but narrow and winding in places.
The shrine’s guidance indicates there is no regular public transport directly to the site, so most visitors come by taxi from Selçuk, by rental car, or with an organized tour that pairs Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary in a single day. If you are energetic, it is also possible to walk up from the Ephesus area, though the ascent is steady and can be hot in summer.
What You Will See at the House of the Virgin Mary?
The shrine precinct feels like a hillside garden: Mediterranean pines and olive trees, stone paths, and small devotional areas. The core is the chapel, a compact, vaulted space adapted from the preserved stone footprint. Inside, the central chamber holds an altar and a statue of the Virgin. To the side, a small room is traditionally associated with Mary’s sleeping quarters. Photography is usually restricted to inside to maintain reverence and flow, but you can take pictures in the grounds outside.
Two distinctive features await just outside: a sacred spring and the “Wishing Wall”. Pilgrims often pause to drink or collect water from the spring, which many regard as a sign of blessing or healing, and thousands of paper notes accumulate on the wall as visitors leave their intentions. Even if you are not a pilgrim, please treat these areas as sacred spaces: move quietly, avoid blocking access, and give priority to those at prayer.
House of Virgin Mary Faith Traditions and Ecumenical Respect
One reason the House of Virgin Mary resonates so widely is that Mary is honored in both Christianity and Islam. On major feast days, especially 15 August, liturgy is celebrated outdoors at the shrine.
Over the years, papal visits have underscored their spiritual importance: Pope Paul VI prayed here on 26 July 1967, Pope John Paul II on 30 November 1979, and Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass here on 29 November 2006 during his pastoral journey to Turkey.
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Practical Info About the House of the Virgin Mary
Visiting hours vary seasonally and may shift with liturgical schedules. The shrine’s official pages indicate daytime visiting, commonly around 08:30–17:00 in the cooler months, with longer summer hours up to early evening. Because local schedules can change, especially on feast days or due to maintenance, always check the shrine’s official communications shortly before your visit.
The House of Virgin Mary is administered separately from the Ephesus archaeological site; you need a dedicated ticket for the shrine. Recent local sources report an entrance fee of 500 Turkish Lira in 2025, with card payments typically accepted at the gate. Currency and policy can change, so bring a backup payment method and confirm on arrival.
Daily Mass is celebrated at the shrine; however, times have been updated periodically. To avoid disappointment, consult the shrine’s latest notices (including its official website and social feeds) or phone ahead, as the exact hour can differ by season and by day of the week.
A few practical notes for smooth entry:
- Arrive early in peak season to enjoy the quietest atmosphere.
- Expect simple security checks at the gate; large bags may be restricted inside the chapel.
- There is on-site parking; allow extra time for the mountain road’s bends and tour buses turning.
House of Virgin Mary Etiquette, Dress Code, and Photography
This is a place of worship. Dress modestly (shoulders covered, shorts and skirts at or below the knee are respectful), speak quietly, and avoid blocking passages inside the chapel. If a service is underway, staff may pause visitor flow; follow their directions and wait patiently. Most visitors can take photos in the grounds, but photography is generally not allowed inside the chapel; observe on-site signage and guidance from attendants.
If you wish to leave a note at the wishing wall, bring a small piece of paper and a pen, write briefly and legibly, and tie your intention so it does not fall. For the spring, small refillable bottles are preferable to single-use plastic. As always, take only photographs and leave the environment exactly as you found it.
Best Time to Visit the House of the Virgin Mary
The best time to travel is spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when the hillside setting has the most pleasant temperatures. In summer, plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
If you are also visiting Ephesus, explore the ruins first thing when they open, then head to the House of the Virgin Mary in the cooler, quieter late afternoon for beautiful valley views and fewer crowds.
House of Virgin Mary Accessibility Facilities and Services
The approach roads are paved, and the main paths within the precinct are stone or concrete. Surfaces can be uneven in places, and there are occasional slopes, but much of the outdoor area is manageable with care. Restrooms and a small café or souvenir area are typically available near the entrance. If you require specific assistance or wish to confirm service availability around feast days, contact the shrine directly ahead of time using the numbers and email provided on its official site.
- Confirm hours a day or two before arrival, as seasonal schedules and feast days can alter opening and service times.
- Bring modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees; carry a light scarf or shawl if needed.
- Carry water and sun protection in summer; the hill can be warm and shade limited on paths.
- Plan transport from Selçuk by taxi, rental car, or tour; there is no regular public bus to the gate.
- Budget for the separate ticket to the House of Virgin Mary; fees may change and are distinct from the Ephesus entry.
Explore Turkey Through History, Faith, and Natural Wonders
The House of the Virgin Mary near Ephesus is a sacred pilgrimage site cherished by Christians and Muslims alike, with its chapel, wishing wall, and spring offering a serene atmosphere of prayer and unity.
Our Turkey tours often combine this holy site with visits to Ephesus, Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and other iconic destinations, allowing travelers to experience both the country’s rich spiritual heritage and its world-famous cultural and natural wonders.
