House of the Virgin Mary
A sacred pilgrimage site near Ephesus, Turkey, believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary. A place of profound peace and reflection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds, find peace
House of the Virgin Mary
Best Time
Beat the crowds, find peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred pilgrimage site near Ephesus, Turkey, believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary. A place of profound peace and reflection.
"A serene and spiritual spot, surrounded by olive trees, offering a place for reflection and prayer."
🎯 Dress Modestly for Entry
Cover shoulders and knees to enter the house. Modest attire is essential for this pilgrimage site. :dress:
🤫 No Photos Inside
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the house to maintain its sacred atmosphere. :noentrysign:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The House Itself
Inside the main structure
A humble stone dwelling, believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary. A place of profound peace and reflection.
The Prayer Wall
Outside the house
Thousands of prayers and wishes written on paper and cloth adorn this sacred wall.
Wish Well
Near the house
A place to leave your own wishes and prayers, joining a global community of pilgrims.
Serene Gardens
Surrounding grounds
Peaceful gardens with olive trees offer a tranquil space for contemplation and prayer.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Attire is Key
Timing is Everything for Peace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Dress Modestly for Entry
Cover shoulders and knees to enter the house. Modest attire is essential for this pilgrimage site. :dress:
🤫 No Photos Inside
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the house to maintain its sacred atmosphere. :noentrysign:
✍️ Write Your Prayer
Bring a small piece of paper or cloth to write your prayer and tie it to the wish wall. :pencil2:
🚶♀️ Be Prepared to Walk
Vehicles aren't permitted close to the entrance; expect a walk to reach the site. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Dress Modestly for Entry
Cover shoulders and knees to enter the house. Modest attire is essential for this pilgrimage site. :dress:
🤫 No Photos Inside
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the house to maintain its sacred atmosphere. :noentrysign:
✍️ Write Your Prayer
Bring a small piece of paper or cloth to write your prayer and tie it to the wish wall. :pencil2:
🚶♀️ Be Prepared to Walk
Vehicles aren't permitted close to the entrance; expect a walk to reach the site. :athletic_shoe:
🕯️ Light a Candle
Candles are available for purchase inside, offering another way to express devotion. :candle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe the House of the Virgin Mary as a serene, spiritual, and peaceful sanctuary. The prayer wall and wish well are highlighted as moving experiences, offering a sense of global connection. While photography is prohibited inside, the tranquil gardens and the contemplative atmosphere are highly appreciated. +1
"Mary’s House on Mount Koressos (Mount Nightingale) near Ephesus is a serene and spiritual spot, surrounded by olive trees. Visitors can write prayers or wishes on pieces of paper or cloth and tie them to the wish well wall. The line can be long but moves quickly, and note that no photos or videos are allowed inside, preserving the sacred atmosphere."
stephanie cruickshank
"In Meryemana, Turkiye, the Virgin Mary's House is located. Reverant, quiet, with a prayer wall we stood in a contemplative mode, remembering the struggles of Jesus and the prophecy that was to unfold. I thought of the pain Mary and her sisters endured, but still after all these years Mary provides love and forgiveness to all those in need. These prayers and requests were represent at the prayer wall at Mary's House. It was symbolic of the needs from people all over the world.
One gentle man touched my heart so, as he went around retrieving prayer notes that had fallen off the wall. He tenderly returned each note from the ground to the wall. A qentle act of kindness. There are no photographs allowed in Mary's House but prayer candles may be purchased there. Worth the visit!"
Betsy York
"Beautiful and sacred holy ground. Be prepared to do a lot of walking as most vehicles are not permitted close to the entrance. We enjoyed seeing the home of the Virgin Mary. The wall of intentions was moving and special. We enjoyed walking the grounds and looking at the landscape. Recommend dressing modestly or you will need to wear a covering. Photography is not permitted in the house."
ReviewGirl
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The House of the Virgin Mary is located on Mt. Koressos, about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from Selçuk, near Ephesus. Many tours from Izmir or Kusadasi include this stop. If traveling independently, you can take a taxi or a local dolmuş (minibus) to Selçuk and then arrange transport to the site.
While it's in the vicinity, it's not typically considered a walkable distance from the main Ephesus ancient city site. It's best to arrange transportation, as vehicles are not permitted very close to the entrance.
Many cruise excursions from Kusadasi include a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary along with Ephesus. You can also book private tours or hire a taxi for a more personalized experience.
Yes, you can take a bus or train from Izmir to Selçuk. From Selçuk, you'll need to take a taxi or a local dolmuş to reach the House of the Virgin Mary.
From Izmir, the train or bus to Selçuk takes about an hour. From Selçuk, the drive to the House of the Virgin Mary is approximately 15-20 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee to visit the House of the Virgin Mary. It's advisable to check current prices before your visit.
The site is generally open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official opening times before your visit, especially if you plan to go near closing.
Yes, a modest dress code is required. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the house itself. Scarves are often available to borrow if needed. +1
No, photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the House of the Virgin Mary to preserve the sacred and contemplative atmosphere. +1
Information on child admission fees can vary. It's best to inquire at the entrance or check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing for all age groups.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
According to tradition, this is the house where the Virgin Mary lived her last days after being brought there by Saint John. It's a major pilgrimage site for Christians and is also respected by Muslims.
Visitors can explore the humble stone house, write prayers on paper to tie to the wish wall, reflect in the serene gardens, and light candles. It's a place for quiet contemplation and spiritual connection. +1
This is a wall where pilgrims tie pieces of paper or cloth with their prayers and wishes. It's a powerful symbol of shared devotion from people worldwide. +1
The grounds are somewhat uneven, and there's a walk from the parking area. While the house itself is small, accessibility might be challenging for those with significant mobility issues.
A visit typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing time for reflection, prayer, and exploring the grounds. If you go during peak times, you might spend longer waiting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are usually small souvenir shops and perhaps a small cafe or refreshment stand near the entrance, but extensive dining options are not available on-site. You'll find more choices in Selçuk.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's generally best to consume outside food and drinks away from the immediate sacred areas. Respectful behavior is key.
Selçuk offers a variety of local Turkish cuisine, including kebabs, mezes, and fresh produce. You can find traditional restaurants and cafes there.
Turkish cuisine is generally rich in vegetable dishes and legumes, so vegetarian and vegan options are usually available in local restaurants in Selçuk.
It's often recommended to eat before or after your visit, as dining options directly at the site are limited. Selçuk provides ample choices for a meal.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is allowed in the gardens and on the grounds surrounding the house. However, it is strictly forbidden inside the house itself. +1
The prayer wall, the wish well, and the serene olive groves offer beautiful and meaningful photo opportunities. Capture the peaceful atmosphere of the surroundings.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for photography, offering softer light and fewer crowds, which enhances the tranquil ambiance.
Drone usage is generally not permitted at religious or historical sites without special permits. It's best to assume it's not allowed to avoid issues.
Filming is prohibited inside the house. On the grounds, be mindful of other visitors and maintain a respectful demeanor.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a calmer experience for children. The prayer wall can be a point of interest, allowing kids to participate by writing their own simple wishes. Pack snacks and water, as dining options are limited on-site, and ensure everyone adheres to the modest dress code.
🙏 Pilgrims and Spiritual Seekers
Many visitors find the atmosphere incredibly peaceful and conducive to spiritual introspection. The opportunity to light candles and engage in quiet prayer enhances the devotional experience. It's recommended to allow ample time to soak in the tranquility and personal meaning of this sacred site.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Consider combining your visit with a tour of the nearby ancient city of Ephesus to gain a broader understanding of the historical and cultural landscape of the region. This allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the area's rich past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance
+1The atmosphere is described as serene and contemplative, with many visitors finding it a place of peace and reflection. The humble nature of the house itself, contrasted with its immense spiritual importance, is often noted. It's a place where people come to remember the struggles of Jesus and the prophecy that unfolded, finding comfort and forgiveness.
Beyond the house, the surrounding gardens with their olive trees contribute to the tranquil environment. Visitors often engage in quiet prayer, light candles, and leave their wishes on the prayer wall, creating a collective expression of faith and hope that transcends borders and backgrounds.
Visiting Etiquette and Practicalities
Inside the house, photography and videography are strictly forbidden. This rule is enforced to maintain the solemn and prayerful atmosphere. Visitors are encouraged to absorb the experience through their senses and reflections rather than through a lens.
Practical aspects include being prepared for a walk from the parking area, as vehicles are not permitted very close to the entrance. The grounds are somewhat uneven, so comfortable footwear is recommended. While there are souvenir shops, extensive dining facilities are not on-site, so it's advisable to eat in nearby Selçuk before or after your visit.
The Legend of the Miraculous Transport
This legend suggests the house didn't remain in one place after leaving Nazareth. It is believed to have made several stops before finally coming to rest in Loreto, Italy, where it is also venerated. This dual veneration adds another layer to the mystique and spiritual significance associated with the structure.
While the site in Turkey is widely accepted as the Virgin Mary's final earthly home, the Loreto tradition offers a parallel narrative of divine intervention in preserving this sacred dwelling. Both locations are significant pilgrimage destinations for believers.
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