Where Is Virgin Mary's House And How Do I Visit It?

Virgin Mary's House is an important religious site in Turkey. It stands on a quiet hill near the ancient city of Ephesus. Many travelers visit because they want a calm place for prayer. Others come to see the long history of this shrine. The area is simple. The forest creates a soft atmosphere. Many Christian and Muslim visitors see this place as holy.

Where Is Virgin Mary's House Located?

Virgin Mary's House is on Mount Koressos near Selcuk in Izmir Province. Selcuk is the town next to Ephesus. The road goes into the hills. Trees surround the path. The house stands near the top. The place feels peaceful because of this high location. Early believers used this area for quiet living and prayer.

The site is 7 km from Ephesus. It is 75 km from central Izmir. The route is short. Many tourists add this stop to their Private Ephesus / Kusadasi Shore Excursion Tour.

What Is The Best Time To Visit?

Early morning is quiet. The light is soft. Midday gets more crowded. Late afternoon is calm again. Spring and autumn offer mild weather. These seasons are popular.

How Was Virgin Mary's House Discovered?

The story starts in the 19th century. A German nun named Anne Catherine Emmerich described a vision of Mary’s last home. Her words sent researchers to the hills of Ephesus. They found the remains of a small stone house. Local people already knew the spot. They believed Mary lived here with St. John. The site was restored later. It opened as a shrine. Pilgrims still come each year.

Is Virgin Mary's House in Turkey Suitable For All Ages?

Yes. Children can walk easily here. Older visitors can sit on benches. The path is flat. The area is safe. The house is small so the visit is short.

How Can I Get To Virgin Mary's House?

• By Car. Driving is a fast option. You follow the main Izmir–Selcuk road. Then you follow signs for “Meryem Ana Evi.” The climb is easy. The parking area is close to the entrance. This option fits families and groups.
• By Taxi. Taxis in Selcuk reach the shrine in 15 to 20 minutes. The price is higher than buses. The ride is comfortable. You can ask the driver to wait.
• By Public Bus. In summer, minibuses go from Selcuk bus station to the upper road. You get off near the gate. The ride is short. This option fits budget travelers.
• By Guided Tour. Many visitors choose a Ephesus Classics Tour. The route includes Virgin Mary's House. A guide explains the history. Transport is included. This option fits travelers who want clear information.

What Can I Expect When I Arrive?

You enter through a gate. A stone path leads to the house. Tall trees create shade. The house is small. Visitors move quietly. Many people light candles or leave short prayers. Outside, there is a spring. Some visitors drink the water. Others fill bottles.

A “Wishing Wall” stands nearby. People tie notes and prayers to the wall. The surface looks white because of the paper. The area feels emotional.

Small paths go behind the site. The view shows the valley. The air feels cool even in summer. Many visitors return because of this peaceful atmosphere.

How Long Does A Visit Take?

Most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes at Virgin Mary’s House. A full-day trip is ideal if you visit Ephesus and Selcuk. Guided tours usually take 6 to 8 hours. The time includes transport and photo stops.

Which Religious Sites Is Near?

• Ephesus Ancient City. The ruins of Ephesus are a few minutes away. You can walk through the Library of Celsus. You can also see the Great Theater.
• Basilica Of St. John. The basilica stands in Selcuk center. Many believe St. John lived here and wrote part of the Gospel.
• Isa Bey Mosque. This mosque is one of the early Ottoman structures. The courtyard is quiet. The design is simple.
• Temple Of Artemis. Only a few columns remain today. Many visitors still come because it was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

These sites create a complete day trip. You see Christian history. You see Muslim history. You see ancient Pagan culture. All these stories meet in one region.

FAQ

Is There An Entrance Fee?

Yes. The fee is small. Prices change each year.

Can I Visit On My Own?

Yes. You can walk through the site without a guide. Many travelers still choose a guided tour because they want history explanations.

Can I Combine It With A Private Day Trip?

Yes. Many visitors book a Private Ephesus Tour From Izmir. This tour includes Ephesus, Virgin Mary’s House, St. John Basilica and Sirince Village.

A visit to Virgin Mary’s House gives peace and meaning. The site is close to Ephesus so you can explore ancient life and religious history on the same day. You can travel by car, bus or guided tour. Each option is easy. Many travelers choose a private guide because they want comfort and clear information.
If you want help planning your visit or booking a Private Ephesus Tour that includes Virgin Mary’s House, contact us anytime.