House of the Virgin Mary Temple

Address: House of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana), on Bülbül Mountain near Selçuk, İzmir Province, Turkey

Admission: Free (no formal admission; donations accepted)

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.

The House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi) is on the slopes above Selçuk near Ephesus. From the town of Selçuk you can reach the sanctuary by taxi or local dolmuş (minibus); the drive is short (several kilometres) up the mountain and from the small car park it’s a short walk (several minutes) along a paved path to the site. Visitors also combine a visit with Ephesus: taxis from the Ephesus archaeological site take around 10-15 minutes.

• Combine a visit with a morning trip from nearby Selçuk or Ephesus and arrive early to avoid the busiest tour-bus windows; the site is small so earlier times feel much quieter.
• Use the designated car-park and main paved path up to the shrine rather than attempting steep unofficial tracks-the official approach is short and clearly marked.
• Pause at the small chapel area and the spring beside the house; many visitors treat the site as a brief stop and miss the votive offerings and peaceful gardens that surround the shrine.