House of the Virgin Mary

Shrine Selçuk, Izmir, Turkey

What to expect

The House of the Virgin Mary is a sacred sanctuary located on Mount Koressos, also known as Bülbüldağı, in Selçuk, Turkey. It is believed to be the last residence of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, and attracts pilgrims and tourists from around the world. The house has a cruciform plan and a dome, and was later restored. According to Christian tradition, after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the apostle John took Mary to Ephesus for safety, and she spent her final years in a small stone house on Bulbul Mountain. The site is considered sacred by both Christians and Muslims, and rituals are held on the 15th day of every August. The house is a place of reverence and contemplation, steeped in history, legend, and spirituality

Plan your family visit to the House of the Virgin Mary with these blog insights 👇

5 Nights Exploring the Ephesus Region: Day 2 Artemis Temple, Ephesus and Terrace Houses, House of the Virgin Mary, and Basilica of St. John

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the House of the Virgin Mary, a shrine where Mary is believed to have lived her remaining years

Highlights: The kids enjoyed lighting candles in honor of someone, and we enjoyed the views and a snack break ✨

Weekend in Izmir

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the House of the Virgin Mary, a chapel built on the site where the Virgin Mary is believed to have lived

Highlights: We appreciated the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to learn about the history and significance of the site ✨