Natural Park of the Virgin Mary — Attraction in Selçuk

The House of the Virgin Mary is situated 7km to the south of Ephesus and 420m above the sea level on Solmisos-Aladag. We visited after spending time at Ephesus and the Church of Saint John. The approach road, which was built by the Turkish Government in the 1950s, winds quite dramatically up the hillside, emphasising the sense that this is a pilgrimage, which was so much more so before the road was built and difficult paths had to be negotiated. The House is set in pleasant woodland, a simple but moving monument to the Virgin. The persecution of the Christians during the reign of Caligula (37-41AD) caused the Apostles to disperse and Mary fled with Saint John, into whose care Jesus had entrusted Her. Because persecution in Roman Asia Minor continued under the pagan worshipping Roman Emperor they chose this remote spot. It is assumed that Mary lived and died here in her 60s in 45 AD and that Saint John secretly buried her. Three popes have visited the House during the course of the last 50 years. Thanks are due to I.Akan Atila, archaeologist for this...

We were waiting in line from the shops where you enter. We waited approximately 30 min to enter the 3 room house that is attributed to a couple years of Mary's life following the crucifixion of Jesus. You cannot take pictures inside or loiter. It has been declared a holy place by the Pope. They do hold Mass services. You would need to check for a schedule if this interests you. Our tour guide said that approximately 12-14 % of the foundation can be attributed to historical time. The rest was built in the 1950's. For Catholics this would be a meaningful religious experience. After the house there are 3 fountains in a wall that contains water that has been blessed by a priest. There is also a wall where you can tie your written prayers. After the fountain there are restrooms and shops and you can purchase snacks. Even as a religious experience it seems very...

Absolutely gooseflesh moments to walk where Mother Mary once walked. Absolutely incredible.

If you are in the area near Ephesus, you have to visit the House of the Virgin Mary. There is three water fountains representing the Holy Trinity which you can drink from.

As per the Google search engine It is believed that Mary lived the final years of her life in a small stone house on Bulbul Mountain, which later became known as the House of the Virgin Mary. The legend of Mary's presence in Ephesus has been passed down through generations, attracting pilgrims who seek solace and blessings.

My favorite is to walk through the little church and for 1 Euro you can purchase 4 candles which you light and say a prayer after...