Virgin Mary House is located approximately 9km (7 miles) away from Selçuk town, atop Mount Nightingale. It is situated 300 meters above sea level, surrounded by pine trees. It is believed that the Blessed Mary spent her last days here, and the house has been acknowledged by the Vatican as a final resting place of the Holy Mary. Three popes from the Vatican have visited the house to date: Pope Paul VI in 1967, Pope John Paul II in 1995, and Pope Benedictus in 2008.
IMPORTANCE OF THE HOUSE
The House of the Virgin Mary has long been noted as a pilgrimage center for Christians after careful inspection by the Vatican in 1967. Since then, almost five million visitors from around the world have paid a visit to the house. It has also become a tradition amongst Turkish Muslims to visit the house, as Mary is accepted as the mother of Jesus in the Koran, where she has a special chapter (the 16th chapter of Maryam) detailing her story. Although the Koran does not indicate the exact location of the house, it does advise its believers to show respect to both Mary and Jesus. Therefore, it should not be a surprise to find Muslims visiting the house out of respect. Today, the Turkish government and local municipality of Selçuk both pay great attention to the House of Mary, with a priest and some sisters staying in the dormitories by the house. Every Sunday at 10.30 there is a regular mass, and if church groups would like to have a special mass the day before their arrival, it can be organized by the authorities during their visit.
HISTORY
On the crucifixion day, Jesus stood on the cross with His mother, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. Seeing His beloved mother and the youngest of the 12 saints by His side, Jesus said to Mary, “Woman, behold your son.” Then, He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother.”
John was given a secret mission by Jesus to take care of Mary until her passing, so Mary and John travelled to Ephesus six years after the Crucifixion. Upon their arrival, the atmosphere was hostile for early Christians, as a great persecution was taking place. To protect Mary’s life, a small house was built on the summit of Mount Nightingale and Mary began living there with Mary Magdalene. John discreetly visited the house from time to time, while also spreading the word of Christianity throughout Ephesus. During his mission, John refused to worship the pagan gods and Emperor Domitian’s cult, so he was sent as a prisoner to Patmos Island as punishment.
We do not know what became of Mary after John’s exile. Many theories abound and they never cease. The most widely accepted is the Assumption, which has been celebrated by the Orthodox world for centuries. According to this theory, Mary never died, but was instead taken up to heaven by God on the 1st of August.
The House of the Virgin Mary, open to visitors, was discovered after a vision experienced by Anne Catherina Emmerich, a Bavarian bedridden woman who had never left Germany. In 1895, she began dreaming about the house and gave a detailed description of it. Thanks to this information, the Lazarists Fathers from the Church of Smyrna (Izmir) were able to locate the house in 1900.
Following the proclamation of the Turkish Republic in 1923, a major restoration took place. In 1951, the Turkish authorities restored the house and added and repaired its roof. In 1967, during Pope Paul VI’s official visit, the Vatican officially recognized the house, and it has since been visited by millions.
Today, it is considered one of the holiest and most visited shrines in Turkey for visitors coming to Selçuk or Kuşadası. The Municipality of Selçuk and the Ministry of Tourism are both responsible for keeping the house in good condition. The house is guarded by armed soldiers of the Turkish Army. Regardless of your faith, visiting the House of Mary will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.
The Virgin Mary’s House is heavily trafficked during the high season, around the Assumption Day on August 15th, and on Sundays around 10:00. There is a small parking lot at the entrance, a cafeteria, and restrooms in good condition. Additionally, there are three fountains for visitors to take holy water and make a wish. It has been a long-standing tradition among Turkish Muslims to follow three steps upon visiting the House: visiting the House, drinking the holy water, and writing a wish.
Visiting the Virgin Mary House located in the city of Ephesus, in Turkey, is an experience like no other. Home to the mother of Jesus and the site of many miracles, the House of Virgin Mary is a must-visit for travelers and pilgrims alike. Here are seven reasons why you should visit the House of Virgin Mary:
First, the Virgin Mary’s House in Efes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a historically and culturally significant location. The house itself is thought to have been built in the first century, and is a symbol of the strong Christian faith in the region.
Second, it’s a unique and spiritual experience. The House of Virgin Mary contains many religious artifacts, such as an altar and a marble shrine, and tourists can experience the reverence and peace that the house emanates.
Third, the Virgin Mary House is a place of pilgrimage for many Christians. Pilgrims come from all over the world to visit the house and take part in religious ceremonies and rituals.
Fourth, the Meryem Ana Evi is surrounded by a stunning natural landscape. With its rolling hills and lush forests, it’s the perfect place to take a peaceful walk in nature.
Fifth, the Virgin Mary’s House also offers a variety of activities for visitors. There’s a museum, a cafe, and a souvenir shop, all of which provide an interesting and unique experience.
Sixth, the House of Virgin Mary is conveniently located—just a few kilometers from the city of Ephesus. You can take a day trip from the city to visit the house and get a glimpse of the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Seventh, a visit to the House of Meryem Ana is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the region. It’s a great way to get to know the people, their faith, and their customs.
If you’re looking for a meaningful and spiritual experience, then look no further than the House of Virgin Mary. With Tour Maker Turkey, you can explore the Virgin Mary House and the surrounding area with a knowledgeable guide who will make sure you get the most out of your visit. So what are you waiting for? Book your tour now and experience the beauty and spirituality of the Meryem Ana House!