House of the Virgin
The House of the Virgin Mary, located on the top of the ‘Bulbul Dagi’ (Mount Nightingale in English, which was known as Mt. Koressos in ancient times) 7 km from Selcuk is a shrine that is sacred to both Christians and Muslims. The house is called ‘Meryem Ana Evi’ by Turks, which means ‘Mother Mary’s House’.
It is believed by many that Mother Mary may have come in the area together with Saint John, who spent several years in the area to spread Christianity. The house which has a lovely atmosphere hidden in green is believed to be the last residence of the Virgin, where she may have spent her last years.
The original house was consisted of an anteroom, where you see the candles proposed today, bedroom and praying room and a room with fireplace. A front kitchen fell into ruins and has been restored in 1940′s. The building looks more like a church than a house, today, visitors are allowed to the central part and the room on the right side of the altar.
At the exit of the church area, you can see a source of fountains which called the ‘Water of Mary’ and believed to have curative properties.
This peaceful site among various pine and olive trees offers its visitors and pilgrims all the facilities such as rest rooms, caffees, a post office and souvenir shops.
We visited this place last Sunday, it only cost 40 turkish lire for two of us. The journey was nice once you get off the motorway with smashing views once you get up high. I was very very surprised at the state of dress (undress) of many people at the open air mass. This is a christian holy site and as such deserves respect. Many women had extremely low tops on showing half their breasts, other had strapless dresses. Shawls were provided inside the church for covering up but the code of dress was not enforced. I have visited Muslim sites and christian sites in Israel and code of dress is enforced and quite rightly so. So please Mass-goers at The Virgin Marys House in Turkey ….. cover up! There was a definite spiritual feeling at this church, a peaceful soft gentle warm embrace. The tissues on the wall were not for me though. Lovely view of ephesus on the way back down.