House of the Virgin Mary: A Sacred Pilgrimage Site in Ephesus

Discoverthe serene sanctuary believed to be the final home of Mary, Mother ofJesus, nestled in the tranquil hills of Ephesus, Turkey.

The House of the Virgin Mary, known as Meryemana Evi, is a revered Christian and Muslim pilgrimage destination, offering a place of reflection, prayer, and spiritual connection.  

A Place of Peace and Reverence

Nestled on Mount Koressos, 7 km from Selçuk and near the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary is a modest stone chapel believed to be where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years. According to tradition, she was brought here by St. John the Evangelist after the Crucifixion for safety. This sacred site draws thousands of pilgrims annually, seeking solace, healing, and a connection to Mary’s legacy.  

Key Points:  

HistoricalSignificance: Discovered in 1881 by French priest Abbé JulienGouyet, guided by the visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, aGerman nun. Rediscovered in 1891 by Lazarist missionaries.  

Interfaith Appeal:Venerated by Christians and Muslims, who honor Mary as the mother ofJesus (Isa ibn Maryam in Islam).  

Papal Recognition:Visited by Popes Paul VI (1967), John Paul II (1979), and BenedictXVI (2006), affirming its spiritual importance.  

Historical Context

Heading: The StoryBehind Mary’s House

Body:

The House of theVirgin Mary’s origins trace back to the visions of Blessed AnneCatherine Emmerich (1774–1824), who described a small stone housebuilt by St. John for Mary near Ephesus. Though never visitingTurkey, her detailed accounts, published by Clemens Brentano, led tothe site’s discovery. Local Christians from Şirince, descendedfrom early Ephesian Christians, had long venerated the site as PanayaKapulu (“Doorway to the Virgin”). While the Catholic Church hasnot officially confirmed its authenticity, the site’s historicaland spiritual significance is undeniable, supported by its ApostolicAge architecture and the nearby Church of Mary, the first churchdedicated to the Theotokos.  

Note on Controversy:Some question the site’s authenticity due to Brentano’s possibleembellishments of Emmerich’s visions, but its enduring venerationand papal visits underscore its spiritual weight.  

What to Expect

Heading: Experiencethe Serenity of Mary’s House

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The House of theVirgin Mary is a modest chapel, exuding humility and peace. Pilgrimsenter a single large room with a central altar featuring a statue ofthe Blessed Virgin Mary. A smaller room, traditionally believed to beMary’s sleeping quarters, lies to the right. Outside, beautifullymaintained grounds, fruit trees, and a sacred spring believed to havehealing properties enhance the reflective atmosphere. A “WishingWall” allows pilgrims to leave prayer petitions, a moving testamentto global devotion.  

Highlights:  

Sacred Spring:Pilgrims drink from a spring believed to offer healing and fertilityblessings.  

Baptismal Pool: Akeyhole-shaped pool nearby suggests early Christian communities usedthe site for secluded baptisms during Roman times.  

Mass and Ceremonies:Daily Mass is held (Monday–Saturday at 5:15 pm or 6:15 pm, Sundayat 10:30 am in English), with a High Mass on August 15 for the Feastof the Assumption.  

PracticalInformation

Heading: Plan YourVisit to Mary’s House

Body:

Location: MountKoressos (Bülbüldağı), 7 km from Selçuk, near Ephesus, IzmirProvince, Turkey.

Getting There: Nopublic transport is available; taxis from Selçuk or Ephesus ruinscost 100 TRY round-trip. Private tours from Kusadasi or Izmir arerecommended.  

Entrance Fee: 400TRY (12.5 EUR, cash only, credit cards not accepted).  

Opening Hours:  

January–February,November–December: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM  

March–October:8:00 AM–6:00 PM  

Tips:  

Visit in spring(April–May) or autumn (September–October) for mild weather andfewer crowds.  

Photography isprohibited inside the chapel.  

Bring a scarf forMuslim visitors wishing to pray.  

Combine with a visitto Ephesus ruins, the Basilica of St. John, or Şirince village for afull day.

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