House of the Virgin Mary

The House of the Virgin Mary (Turkish: Meryemana Evi) is a Catholic shrine and major pilgrimage destination located on Mount Koressos, 7 kilometers from Selçuk in Turkey’s Izmir Province. This modest stone structure, dating to the 1st century AD, is believed by Christian tradition to be the final residence of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, where she lived from approximately 38-48 AD under the protection of Saint John the Apostle. Recognized as a Holy Place by the Vatican since 1951 and visited by three popes, the site attracts over 2 million visitors annually from around the world, including both Christian pilgrims and curious travelers seeking to explore one of Turkey’s most significant religious landmarks.

Perched high on the peaceful slopes of Mount Koressos and surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, this sacred sanctuary offers visitors a profound spiritual experience amidst breathtaking natural beauty. The tranquil atmosphere, fragrant olive groves, and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea create an environment perfectly suited for prayer, reflection, and contemplation. The site holds remarkable significance not only for Christians but also for Muslims, who revere Mary as the mother of Prophet Jesus, making it a unique symbol of interfaith harmony and mutual respect.

The discovery of this sacred site reads like a divine revelation itself, based on the detailed visions of German nun Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich in the early 19th century. Despite never leaving Germany, her precise descriptions of a small stone house on a mountain overlooking ancient Ephesus eventually led to the actual discovery of the site by French priests in the 1880s. Local villagers from nearby Şirince had been venerating this location for centuries, passing down through generations the belief that it was the home of the Virgin Mary.

Today, the House of the Virgin Mary continues to function as an active chapel where daily masses are celebrated and pilgrims from around the world come to pray, light candles, and collect holy water from the natural spring. The site offers visitors a unique combination of spiritual significance, historical intrigue, and natural beauty, making it one of Turkey’s most meaningful destinations for those seeking both religious experience and cultural understanding in a setting of profound peace and reverence.