About
The House of the Virgin Mary, known in Turkish as Meryem Ana Evi, is a small shrine on Mount Koressos, a wooded hill above the town of Selçuk in İzmir Province. It is believed by many to be the last home of the Virgin Mary, and it is venerated by both Catholics and Muslims, which gives the site a quiet, reflective character that visitors often remark upon.
What to expect
- Setting: The house sits among trees on the slopes of Koressos, so the approach is a walk or drive into greenery rather than through a busy town centre.
- Purpose: It is a place of pilgrimage. Visits by Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II have made it one of the best-known Christian sites in Turkey, and it is also an important place for Muslim worshippers.
- Atmosphere: Expect a devotional rather than a museum-style visit. Many people come to pray, light candles, or simply sit and take in the stillness.
Around the site
Selçuk is a practical base for exploring the Aegean coast of Turkey. Nearby, the ancient city of Ephesus is a short distance away, and the town itself has its own streets, cafés and local food, making it easy to combine a reflective morning at the shrine with a wider day of sightseeing.
Getting there
The shrine's address is Meryem Ana Yolu, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Turkey. The site can be reached from Selçuk by road. For questions about visiting, the contact number is +90 232 894 1092.
