House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi)

According to Catholic doctrine, after the crucifixion of Jesus, St. John brought Mary to Ephesus with him to escape persecution for years 37-45 CE. She could very well have made this her home. Every day, Lazarist Fathers conduct mass at the 6th-century chapel inside.xa0 Full-day tours that include the house typically leave from Kusadasi and combine visits to the UNESCO-listed sites of Ephesus where you learn about 2000-year-old structures such as the Parliament House, Temple of Domitian, Memmius Monument, Heracles Gate, the Temple of Artemis, Selcuk, Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), and Temple of Artemis.

• St. Mary’s House is an ideal stopover for people visiting Ephesus and want to know more about Christian history.
• Bring Turkish Liras with for the small entrance fee.
• Remember your passport, as guards may ask for ID.
• No photos are allowed inside the house.
• Dress appropriately: no shorts or skirts above the knees, cover your shoulders.
• Those in wheelchairs are welcome.

St. Mary’s House is located on Mt. Koressos near the Aegean coastline, about a 15-minute drive from Ephesus. Public transportation reaches the site, either drive or book a tour from Ephesus that includes a visit to the house. If you prefer driving, stop at the northern gate of Ephesus and walk about 2 miles (5 kilometers). Once in Orman Yolu Park, follow the signs for Meryemana, which is Turkish for St. Mary’s House.

St. Mary’s House is open year-round, with extended hours from March to October. Visit the house in the morning and before closing time as it is quieter and the temperature is cooler. If you would like to experience the mass, come on a Sunday around 10:30am. In general, the weather in the region is the most pleasant from June to August.

While no conclusive evidence that declaratively supports the theory that Mary had spent the last years in Ephesus, there have been certain meaningful actions by papal authorities to authenticate the history of this house, however symbolic. Since 1896, several popes—Pope Leo XIII, Pope Pius XII, Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, and Pope Benedict XVI— have all visited the abode.

Yes, there are guided tours of the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi). Many Ephesus excursions stop at the sacred house and neighboring attractions. These tours cater to everyone from history buffs to curious travelers, providing valuable insights into the significance of this revered site.

Yes, the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi) hosts occasional religious events, including baptisms, monthly services, and a special ceremony on August 15, the day of the Assumption of Mary. The house is also a sacred site for both Christians and Muslims, who come to drink holy water and wish at a special wall.

In the early 19th century, Catholic nun Anne Catherine Emmerich experienced vivid dreams and visions of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. Nearly 60 years after her death, a priest followed her descriptions to locate the alleged final residence of Mary during her later years. Though it was initially met with skepticism, it eventually became a revered shrine.

The House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi) is a 6-mile (9-kilometer) drive south of Selcuk. There is no public transport to the attraction, so you can only visit it by private vehicle, taxi, or on a guided tour. The last option offers the convenience of visiting other nearby sights such as Ephesus.

Yes. There is an entrance fee to visit the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi). Due to the fluctuation in the Turkish lira, the price is subject to change. Most guided tours cover ticket costs for the house. The 15-day Turkiye or Aegean Museum Passes, sold by the Turkish Ministry of Culture, includes admission to the site.

There are several attractions near the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi) in Turkey. The UNESCO-listed Ephesus Archaeological Site boasts ancient ruins, such as the Library of Celsus. Other area attractions include the Temple of Artemis, Isa Bey Mosque, and the charming village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wine.