About House of Virgin Mary
The House of Virgin Mary, known as Meryem Ana Evi in Turkish, is located on the wooded slopes of Mount Koressos, about 7 kilometers south of the ancient city of Ephesus in Izmir. Surrounded by pine and olive trees, the peaceful setting has attracted pilgrims for more than a century and continues to be one of the most visited sacred places in Turkey. According to Christian tradition, this is the place where the Virgin Mary lived her final years under the care of St John the Apostle after the crucifixion of Jesus.
The small stone chapel standing today dates back to the seventh century. It was restored in 1951 on the ruins of an older dwelling that many believe was Mary’s home. The structure has a cruciform plan with a domed roof, a vestibule, and a simple nave. To the south is a side room regarded as the Virgin Mary’s bedroom, which is used as a prayer space by Muslim visitors. This unique atmosphere makes the site important for both Christians and Muslims, creating a rare example of shared devotion. In 1961 Pope John XXIII officially declared the House of Virgin Mary as a pilgrimage destination. Since then, popes such as Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI have all prayed here, further strengthening its global significance.
Pilgrims who come to the House of Virgin Mary often light candles, write prayers to place on the wishing wall, and drink from the spring water that flows nearby. The spring is considered holy, and many visitors fill bottles to take home. The tranquil setting in the hills above Selcuk offers a moment of reflection and quietness, far from the crowds of the Aegean coast.
The location of the house is also significant because it is surrounded by some of the most important historical and cultural sites of the region. Just a short drive away is the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean, famous for its marble streets, the Library of Celsus, and the grand Theater that once held 25,000 spectators. Nearby stands the Basilica of St John, built by Emperor Justinian in the sixth century, believed to be the burial site of the Apostle John. Another major site is the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which once attracted worshippers from across the region. The Cave of the Seven Sleepers, associated with both Christian and Islamic tradition, lies close to the city as well.
The wider Aegean region around the House of Virgin Mary also offers opportunities for cultural discovery and leisure. The town of Selcuk has a lively bazaar, museums, and traditional Turkish houses. Kusadasi, a popular port city on the Aegean coast, welcomes international cruise ships and offers beaches, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. For those interested in ancient history, the surrounding hills are full of ruins, monasteries, and forgotten chapels. A day trip can easily combine visits to the House of Virgin Mary, Ephesus, and other archaeological treasures of Izmir province.
Today, the House of Virgin Mary remains a place of peace, prayer, and cultural meeting. Whether visitors come as pilgrims, history lovers, or travelers exploring the heritage of the Turkish Aegean, the site offers a unique blend of spirituality and history. The combination of sacred tradition, archaeological remains, and natural beauty makes it one of the most meaningful destinations in Turkey.