House of the Virgin Mary

Historic Site in Izmir

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Erik Cleves Kristensen

Tucked into the pine-covered slopes of Mount Koressos near Selçuk, the House of the Virgin Mary is one of Turkey's most peaceful and spiritually resonant destinations. Believed by many to be the final home of Mary, the mother of Jesus, this small stone house draws pilgrims and travelers alike from around the world. Its quiet surroundings, filled with the scent of olive trees and mountain air, make it a place of reflection no matter your beliefs. It's easy to see why it's considered one of the best trips to go on from İzmir.

The journey up to the site takes you through winding mountain roads overlooking the fertile plains of Ephesus, offering a glimpse of rural life in the Aegean. Visitors often combine the House of the Virgin Mary with a tour of Ephesus itself, creating a day that blends ancient wonder with quiet devotion. Whether you come for faith, history, or simple tranquility, the experience lingers long after you leave.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Information
Nearby Food Options
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

The House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi) was discovered in the 19th century following visions experienced by Anne Catherine Emmerich, a German nun. Archaeologists later uncovered the ruins of a small Byzantine chapel that matched her descriptions. Many Christian traditions hold that St. John the Apostle brought Mary to Ephesus after the crucifixion, and this site is believed to mark where she spent her final years.
Today, the house is recognized by both the Catholic and Muslim communities as a sacred place. Popes Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI all visited the shrine, solidifying its importance as a destination of unity and peace. Even if you're not religious, the calm setting and the sense of timeless reverence make it deeply moving.

Things to See and Do

The small stone house, carefully restored and preserved, is the main attraction. Inside, visitors pass quietly through its simple rooms, lighting candles or offering prayers. Outside stands a wishing wall covered with paper notes tied by pilgrims from around the world — a mosaic of hopes and blessings. There's also a small baptismal pool and a spring whose water is considered sacred.

Spend time wandering the paths shaded by trees, listen to the soft hum of prayers, or just sit on one of the benches to take in the atmosphere. The mountain views and the crisp air add to the serenity, making it a highlight for anyone exploring this part of Turkey.

Practical Information

Best time to visit: April to June or September to October for mild weather and fewer crowds
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €5 per person
Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (varies by season)
Official website: www.selcuk.bel.tr or local tourism boards
How long to spend: 1–2 hours, plus travel time
Accessibility: The site is accessible via paved roads; limited steps inside the house
Facilities: Gift shop, restrooms, café, and shaded picnic area
Photography tip: Photos are not allowed inside the house, but the gardens and valley views offer excellent shots
Guided tours: Available from İzmir or Selçuk, often combined with Ephesus

Nearby Food Options

After your visit, head back down toward Selçuk for a relaxed meal. Several family-run restaurants serve home-style Turkish dishes like gözleme (stuffed flatbreads) and fresh village salads. For a more leisurely stop, the nearby village of Şirince offers quaint cafés and local fruit wines — perfect for unwinding after a morning at the shrine.

Nearby Attractions

Ephesus: One of the most spectacular ancient cities in the world, featuring the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and marble streets steeped in history.
Basilica of St. John: The impressive ruins of a 6th-century basilica built over the believed tomb of St. John the Apostle.
Isa Bey Mosque: A beautiful example of 14th-century Seljuk architecture located near the Basilica of St. John.
Ephesus Archaeological Museum: Home to statues, mosaics, and artifacts discovered at Ephesus and nearby sites, offering deeper context to your visit.
Şirince Village: A charming hillside village with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, fruit wines, and sweeping mountain views.

Together, these nearby destinations make the region one of the best places to go on a day trip from İzmir — a journey that blends faith, history, and the serene beauty of the Aegean hills.

The House of the Virgin Mary appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Izmir!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!