The House of the Virgin Mary, located on the slopes of Mount Koressos near the ancient city of Ephesus, is believed to be the final residence of Mary, the mother of Jesus. According to tradition, she lived here under the care of the Apostle John after the crucifixion.

The site remained hidden for centuries until the visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774–1824), a German nun, described Mary’s last dwelling in detail. In 1881, French priest Julien Gouyet identified a small stone house that matched her visions. Later, in 1891, Lazarist priests confirmed the site, bringing worldwide attention.

Archaeological studies revealed that the foundation of the building dates back to the 1st century AD, while the upper parts were reconstructed in later centuries. Excavations also showed that the site had been visited by early Christian pilgrims, confirming its long-standing sacred significance.

Although not declared an article of faith, the Catholic Church has strongly supported devotion to the House. In 1896, Pope Leo XIII blessed the shrine and encouraged pilgrimages. Later, popes including Paul VI (1967), John Paul II (1979), Benedict XVI (2006), and Francis (2014) visited, affirming its importance.

The House is unique as it draws both Christians and Muslims. While Christians honor it as the final home of Mary, Muslims also revere Mary (Maryam) as one of the purest women chosen by God. This shared devotion makes it a symbol of interfaith harmony and peace.

Mary is mentioned more times in the Qur’an than in the New Testament. She is the only woman mentioned by name and is the focus of an entire chapter, Surah Maryam (Chapter 19). The Qur’an honors her purity, faith, and devotion to God.

“O Mary, God has chosen you and purified you. He has chosen you above all women of all nations.” (Qur’an 3:42)
“And [mention] when the angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed God gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary.’” (Qur’an 3:45)

Mary lived a life of chastity, humility, and constant prayer. She is seen as a model of devotion, chosen by God for her obedience and faith. Her miraculous conception of Jesus is described with reverence in the Qur’an (19:16–34).

Both Christians and Muslims honor Mary, though their theological views differ. For Muslims, she is among the most righteous women ever created. In Turkey and other Muslim-majority countries, Mary is deeply respected, and many Muslim pilgrims visit the House of the Virgin Mary to offer prayers.

The Wishing Wall is where visitors leave handwritten notes, prayers, and hopes. Over time, these pieces of paper, cloth, or ribbon have formed a mosaic of faith and longing. Today, the tradition continues both at the site and online through the digital Wishing Wall.

Lighting a candle symbolizes prayer, devotion, and divine light. In Christianity, it reflects Christ as the “Light of the World” (John 8:12). For Muslims and people of other faiths, it remains a universal gesture of hope, healing, and thanksgiving.

The story tells of seven young men who sought refuge in a cave near Ephesus during persecution in the 3rd century. They miraculously awoke centuries later, seen as a sign of resurrection and God’s mercy. The tale is revered in both Christianity and Islam, making it a symbol of shared faith.

For centuries, pilgrims from all over the world have come to seek peace, healing, and spiritual renewal. The site is unique because it welcomes both Christians and Muslims, making it a powerful symbol of faith and coexistence.

Yes. Several popes have visited the House of the Virgin Mary, affirming its spiritual importance:

• Pope Paul VI in 1967

• Pope John Paul II in 1979

• Pope Benedict XVI in 2006

• Pope Francis in 2014

Pilgrims recite traditional Christian prayers such as the Lord’s Prayer (Our Father), the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be (Doxology). These prayers honor Mary’s faith and intercession while uniting believers in devotion.

Yes. Visitors often offer prayers for peace among nations, healing for the sick, and comfort for families. The Prayer for Peace and Prayer for Healing are among the most cherished at the shrine and in the online project.

Special prayers are dedicated to families, children, and those on journeys. The Prayer for Families asks for Mary’s guidance over homes, while the Traveler’s Prayer seeks protection for all who travel, whether to Ephesus or virtually through the online shrine.

Yes. The Universal Prayer for Humanity asks God to unite all people as one family, overcoming division and hatred. It reflects the spirit of the House of the Virgin Mary as a place of peace and coexistence.

The House of the Virgin Mary is more than a historic site — it is a living story of faith and unity. Pilgrims are invited to light a candle, leave a prayer on the Wishing Wall, and join an unbroken chain of devotion that continues today both in Ephesus and online.