News About House of the Virgin Mary
Follow spiritual news and heritage updates from the House of the Virgin Mary — where history and faith meet.
Pope Leo XIV to Visit Türkiye & Iznik — 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea
Updated: November 2025
The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV will make his first official overseas visit to Türkiye from November 27 to 30, 2025, followed by Lebanon. The journey will include a special stop in Iznik (ancient Nicaea) to commemorate the 1700th Anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, held in 325 AD — a defining event in Christian history.
While the Pope’s visit to Iznik and Istanbul has been confirmed by Vatican sources, it remains uncertain whether he will also travel south to Ephesus to visit the House of the Virgin Mary — a site of deep devotion for millions of Catholics. A potential papal visit would unite two of Christianity’s most sacred locations: the birthplace of the Nicene Creed and the home of the Mother of Christ.
Officials in Türkiye and local church leaders are already preparing for what is expected to be one of the most significant religious events in the country’s modern history. Iznik’s ancient basilicas and restored churches are being readied to welcome pilgrims, historians, and international press.
The visit is expected to strengthen interfaith dialogue and highlight Türkiye’s role as a bridge between East and West.
Sources:
– Vatican Press Office – “Pope Leo XIV to visit Turkey and Lebanon on first foreign trip.”
– Anadolu Agency – “Türkiye prepares Iznik Basilica for Pope Leo’s first overseas visit.”
– Reuters – “Pope Leo tells Turkish first lady he might visit Turkey in November.”
Kusadasi Cruise Season Booms in 2025: Visitor Numbers Up by 18%
Updated: November 2025
Kusadasi Port strengthens its leadership on Türkiye’s Aegean coast as cruise tourism rebounds with record-breaking arrivals in 2025.
Kusadasi, the vibrant port town on Türkiye’s western coast, has recorded a remarkable surge in cruise traffic during the first half of 2025. According to official figures, the port welcomed 227 cruise ships and more than 339,000 passengers in the first six months of the year — an impressive 18% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth positions Kusadasi as Türkiye’s leading cruise destination on the Aegean route.
Officials from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure reported that Türkiye is on track to host over 2 million cruise tourists by the end of 2025. Alongside Kusadasi, the ports of Istanbul and Bodrum also show significant growth, reflecting the country’s renewed maritime tourism momentum.
Many of these international visitors include Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary in their shore excursions, blending cultural exploration with spiritual experience. This connection continues to make Kusadasi a key gateway for faith-based tourism in Türkiye.
Sources:
Daily Sabah – “Turkish ports welcome 490 cruise ships in H1, up 18% annually.”
Anadolu Agency – “Türkiye to host over 2 million cruise tourists by end of 2025.”
Ephesus Hits Record Visitors in 2024 – 2.7 Million Pilgrims and Tourists
Updated: December 2024
Ephesus, one of Türkiye’s most iconic ancient cities, achieved a record-breaking milestone in 2024 with over 2.7 million visitors. The site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage landmark, continues to attract pilgrims and travelers from around the world for its rich history and spiritual resonance.
Officials from Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism highlighted that the surge in visitors reflects the country’s strong post-pandemic tourism recovery. The House of the Virgin Mary, located just a few kilometers from the Ephesus ruins, remains one of the most visited faith destinations in the region.
Experts note that new restoration efforts and guided tours have made the experience more accessible, drawing both history enthusiasts and spiritual travelers alike.
Sources:
Daily Sabah – “Türkiye’s Ephesus hits record-breaking visitor numbers in 2024.”
Temple of Artemis Revived in Digital 3D Experience – Bringing Ancient Ephesus to Life
Updated: August 2023
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, has been digitally reconstructed in a stunning new 3D project. The initiative, created by a team of Greek and Turkish archaeologists and digital artists, aims to give modern audiences a vivid sense of the temple’s original grandeur.
Visitors can now explore the temple virtually, witnessing how this sacred site looked nearly 2,500 years ago. The project combines archaeological accuracy with immersive design, serving as both an educational and cultural revival.
The digital reconstruction also strengthens Ephesus’ reputation as a global heritage hub, bridging ancient faith and modern technology.
Sources:
Greek City Times – “Temple of Artemis in Ephesus digitally revived to show Ancient Greek world.”
House of the Virgin Mary – The Place Where Wishes Come True
Updated: May 2023
Nestled on the peaceful slopes of Mount Koressos near Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary remains one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in Türkiye. Every year, thousands of visitors from all faiths come to light candles, leave handwritten wishes on the Wishing Wall, and collect holy water believed to bring healing and blessings.
Pilgrims describe the experience as deeply moving — a moment where silence, prayer, and nature merge in harmony. The shrine has long been recognized by the Vatican and is considered a sacred place of unity between Christians and Muslims alike.
Its timeless atmosphere and enduring faith traditions continue to inspire hope for peace and spiritual renewal.
Sources:
Hürriyet Daily News – “Virgin Mary’s House: The place where wishes come true.”
Learn more about the sacred history, miracles, and pilgrim traditions of the House of Virgin Mary in Ephesus, Türkiye — where visitors collect holy water, light candles, and leave wishes on the Wishing Wall.
Visitors who explore the Holy Water often also light a candle and leave a wish on the sacred wall. These timeless traditions — light, word, and water — reflect the enduring faith and cultural heritage of Meryem Ana Evi.
For more historical background, visit the official Wikipedia article about the House of the Virgin Mary .