House of the Virgin Mary

The House of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana) is a small stone house on a wooded hill near Selçuk in İzmir Province, Turkey, traditionally venerated as the final residence of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The site became a Christian pilgrimage destination in the 19th century and later drew wider attention in the 20th century.

The principal feature is a modest stone house adapted for worship and visitation, with a shelter and areas for prayer and offerings. A nearby spring and landscaped approach paths form part of the pilgrimage experience, and the site is visited by people of several faiths.

The location was identified in the 19th century following reported visions, and subsequent archaeological investigation identified a small house complex with late Roman-period building remains. The site has since been developed for pilgrims and received high-profile visits, including that of Pope John Paul II in 1979.

The shrine sits on a wooded hill above the plain of ancient Ephesus near the town of Selçuk in İzmir Province, within a short drive of the archaeological ruins of Ephesus.

• Modern identification and pilgrim visits: The site became widely known in the 19th century after visions reported by Anne Catherine Emmerich led to its identification and it has been visited by Popes and pilgrims since the 20th century.

What to See #

• Stone house and chapel: A small stone house and adjoining chapel on a wooded hill traditionally identified as the Virgin Mary's final home; the interior is arranged for pilgrimage and veneration.
• Pilgrim shrine and spring: A nearby spring and shrine area where pilgrims often gather; the site includes walkways and viewpoints over the surrounding countryside near ancient Ephesus.