The Catholic Pilgrim's Guide to Mt. Koressos, Turkey
Catholic Pilgrimage Guide to Mt. Koressos
Introduction
Mt. Koressos, known in Turkish as Bülbüldağı or "Mount Nightingale," stands as one of the most sacred sites in Catholic pilgrimage tradition. Located just 7 kilometers from the ancient city of Ephesus in modern-day Turkey, this serene mountain is home to the House of the Virgin Mary, where tradition holds that the Mother of Jesus spent her final years under the care of St. John the Apostle. For over a century, this humble stone chapel has drawn millions of pilgrims from every continent, representing a living bridge between the apostolic age and contemporary devotion.
The spiritual significance of Mt. Koressos extends beyond Catholic tradition, as the site is equally venerated by Muslims who honor Mary (Meryem Ana) as the mother of Prophet Jesus (Isa). This unique interfaith reverence makes the pilgrimage to Mt. Koressos a profound experience of Christian-Muslim dialogue and shared devotion to the Mother of God.
Historical and Spiritual Significance
The modern rediscovery of the House of the Virgin Mary dates to the 19th century through the visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824), a German Augustinian nun and mystic. Though bedridden and never having traveled outside Germany, Emmerich provided detailed descriptions of Mary's final dwelling place that were later transcribed by poet Clemens Brentano. Following these descriptions, French priest Abbé Julien Gouyet discovered the ruins in 1881, and ten years later, Lazarist missionaries from Izmir confirmed the location on July 29, 1891.
Archaeological evidence reveals foundations dating to the 1st century AD, consistent with the apostolic age, while the visible structure dates from the 7th century. The site had been venerated for centuries by local villagers from Şirince, descendants of Ephesus's early Christian communities, who called the place Panaya Kapulu ("Doorway to the Virgin") and made annual pilgrimages there on August 15th.
Church Recognition
The Catholic Church has maintained a positive but cautious approach to the site:
Papal Visits
Papal visits have significantly elevated the shrine's global profile:
Each papal pilgrimage has strengthened the site's significance as a symbol of faith, unity, and Marian devotion in the universal Church.
Sacred Sites and Churches
🏛️ House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi)
📍 Address: Atatürk Mahallesi, Meryemana Mevkii, Küme Evler, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye
🗺️ GPS Coordinates: 37.911723, 27.334163
🔗 Google Maps: View on Map
🌐 Website: hzmeryemanaevi.com/en
⛪ Dedication: Blessed Virgin Mary
Historical Note: Site of the modest stone chapel believed to be Mary's final dwelling, discovered through the visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich. Archaeological studies suggest 1st-century foundations with 7th-century structure. Officially recognized as a Catholic pilgrimage destination since 1896 by Pope Leo XIII.
Spiritual Importance:
Pilgrims visit to:
The sanctuary complex includes the keyhole-shaped baptismal pool, three holy fountains representing health, wealth, and love, and extensive gardens for contemplation.
🏛️ St. John's Cathedral Basilica
📍 Address: Necati Bey Bulvari 2, P.K. 267, 35210 Izmir, Türkiye
🗺️ GPS Coordinates: 38.4242, 27.1428
🔗 Google Maps: View on Map
🌐 Website: izmirkatedrali.com/en
⛪ Dedication: St. John the Evangelist
Historical Note: The only one of the seven churches of the Book of Revelation still in existence, serving as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of İzmir. Built in neoclassical style between 1862-1874, consecrated on June 14, 1874. Designated a Pontifical Basilica by Pope Pius IX in 1874.
Spiritual Importance:
As the mother church of the Archdiocese of İzmir, pilgrims can:
🏛️ Basilica of Saint John
📍 Address: Atatürk, St. Jean Cd. No:4, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye
🗺️ GPS Coordinates: 37.953017, 27.366909
🔗 Google Maps: View on Map
⛪ Dedication: St. John the Evangelist
Historical Note: Built in the 6th century over the traditional burial site of St. John the Apostle, who cared for the Virgin Mary at Ephesus according to tradition. The basilica was one of the largest churches of the Byzantine Empire.
Spiritual Importance:
Pilgrims visit to:
📅 Annual Celebrations and Feast Days
August 15 – Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The primary annual pilgrimage celebration featuring a special Mass and liturgical ceremony at the House of the Virgin Mary, drawing thousands of pilgrims from around the world.
🧳 Practical Information for Pilgrims
✈️ Getting There
By Air:
By Car:
By Train:
By Bus:
🏨 Where to Stay
Hotel Mary's House ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 Ataturk Mahallesi 1057 Sokak No 17, Selcuk, 35920 Turkey
🌐 marys-house.selcuktophotels.com
Family-run 5-star hotel located 450 meters from Basilica of Saint John, featuring soundproof rooms, mountain views, and traditional Turkish hospitality.
Ephesus Centrum Selcuk Hotel
📍 Ataturk Mahallesi, 1055 Sokak No:13, Selcuk, 35920 Turkey
Boutique hotel in Selçuk center offering easy access to Ephesus archaeological site and House of Virgin Mary.
The Pilgrim Ephesus Hotel
📍 Selcuk town center, 35920 Selcuk, Turkey
Modern pilgrim-focused hotel opened in 2023, featuring garden accommodations and spiritual atmosphere.