Pilgrimage and Tradition at the House of Virgin Mary – 5 Beautiful Traditions to Experience (2025)
Pilgrimage to Mary’s House - Light a Candle
Visitors honor the Virgin Mary by lighting candles inside the chapel, a tradition that has been practiced for generations. Each flame represents a prayer carried with faith, whether for healing, gratitude, or the well-being of loved ones. The soft glow of dozens of candles creates a sacred atmosphere where pilgrims from different backgrounds feel united in hope and devotion. For many, lighting a candle at the Virgin Mary House is more than a symbolic act—it is a moment of deep reflection and spiritual connection that stays with them long after they leave.Lighting a candle at the House of Virgin Mary in Ephesus continues to symbolize hope, unity, and spiritual devotion for visitors from all around the world.
The Wishing Wall at Virgin Mary House
The Wishing Wall at the Virgin Mary House is one of the most unique traditions of the site. Pilgrims and visitors write down their prayers, wishes, and hopes on small pieces of paper and tie them to the wall, creating a powerful symbol of faith and devotion. According to belief, each note carries a personal message to the Virgin Mary, reflecting gratitude, healing, or a request for blessings. Over time, thousands of wishes form a tapestry of hope, making the Wishing Wall not only a sacred ritual but also a moving testimony of shared humanity. This simple act has become one of the most cherished experiences at Meryem Ana Evi in Selcuk, Turkey.Today, the Wishing Wall has become an inspiring part of pilgrimage to Ephesus, where people of all faiths feel free to express their dreams, prayers, and personal hopes.
The Holy Spring Water of Virgin Mary House
The House of Virgin Mary is blessed with a natural spring known as the Holy Spring Water. According to tradition, Mary herself drank from this water, prepared her meals, and washed with it during her final years on Mount Koressos. Flowing beside the chapel, the spring is believed to bring healing, blessings, and protection. Pilgrims drink from the source, wash their hands, or fill bottles to take home, seeing it as a spiritual gift that connects them directly to Mary’s presence. More than just natural water, it represents purity, faith, and life, making it one of the most cherished traditions at the Virgin Mary House.Visitors often describe drinking from the holy spring as a meaningful moment that connects them with centuries of faith and the blessings of Virgin Mary’s presence in Ephesus
Pilgrimage and Traditions at the House of Virgin Mary - 5 Sacred & Inspiring Rituals
At the Virgin Mary House, traditions are kept alive through annual religious processions, prayers, and community gatherings. Pilgrims from around the world come together here, creating a rare atmosphere where devotion and culture unite. These celebrations not only honor Mary but also strengthen the bonds between visitors of different faiths.These annual traditions make the House of Virgin Mary not only a spiritual center but also a cultural landmark that reflects the living faith of millions of pilgrims.
Visitor Information
The House of Virgin Mary is located about 7 km from the ancient city of Ephesus, on the green slopes of Mount Koressos. It can be reached easily by car, taxi, or local tours from Selçuk and Kuşadası. The site is open daily, and in 2025 the entrance fee is around 15 USD per person (paid in Turkish Lira at the gate). Visitors are advised to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.Reaching the Virgin Mary House in Ephesus allows travelers to combine history, spirituality, and culture, making it one of the most memorable experiences in Turkey.
Learn more about the history of Ephesus at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore Marian traditions at the Vatican’s official website, or read detailed background on the House of the Virgin Mary on Wikipedia.