House of the Virgin Mary: A Retreating House

About House of the Virgin Mary

If we were asked to tell the most influential names in the Christian world, one of the first names that comes to mind would be Saint Mary.

The House of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana in Turkish) is a sacred site located on Mt. Koressos in the vicinity of Ephesus, in modern-day Turkey. According to Christian tradition, the house is believed to be the place where Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived her final years.

The structure is a small stone house, restored in the 19th century based on the visions of a Roman Catholic nun, Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774–1824), despite her never having visited Ephesus. Emmerich described in detail the layout of the house and its location, and German author Clemens Brentano popularized her accounts in his book “The Life of The Blessed Virgin.” In 1891, French priest Abbé Julien Gouyet discovered the house, guided by Emmerich’s descriptions.

The House of the Virgin Mary is a popular place for Christian pilgrimage. The house itself is modest and is a shrine to Mary – a place of pilgrimage for believers, who drink from a spring under the house said to have healing properties. A special area outside the shrine is set aside for lighting candles.

The Catholic Church has never pronounced in favor or against the authenticity of the house but nevertheless maintains a steady flow of pilgrimage to the site. The shrine has also been visited by several popes, including Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI.

Despite the debates over its authenticity, the peaceful site set in natural surroundings provides solace and is a must-visit for those who are in the vicinity of Ephesus.

 

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How to get to House of the Virgin Mary?

The House of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana) is located near Ephesus, in Selcuk, a small town in the Izmir province of Turkey. Here’s how you can get there:

By Air: The nearest airport to Ephesus is Adnan Menderes Airport in Izmir. From there, you can hire a taxi or catch a bus to Selcuk.

By Train: If you’re in a major Turkish city like Istanbul, Ankara, or Izmir, you can take a train to Selcuk. The train station is conveniently located in the town center.

By Bus: There are many bus services from major Turkish cities to Selcuk. Once you reach Selcuk, local minibusses (dolmus) can take you to the House of the Virgin Mary.

By Car: If you’re driving from Izmir, take the O-31 and O-32 highways towards Aydın and take the exit towards Selcuk. From Selcuk, follow the signs to Ephesus, and from there, the route to the House of the Virgin Mary is well-signposted.

By Tour: Many tour companies in Turkey offer day trips to Ephesus that include a stop at the House of the Virgin Mary. This is a good option if you prefer not to navigate on your own and would like the benefit of a guide’s knowledge.

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What to pack for House of the Virgin Mary?

Here are some things you might consider:

Comfortable Shoes: The site is located on a hill, and there’s a bit of a climb, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Sun Protection: Depending on the time of year, it can get hot. Bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months.

Camera: You’ll want to capture the serene beauty of the place.

Small Change: There’s a wall where you can leave a note or prayer request, so you might want to bring paper and a pen. Also, small changes can be useful for donations, candles, or small souvenirs.

Guidebook or Information on the Site: While the site has information panels, you might want to bring a guidebook or have downloaded information on your phone to better understand the significance of the place.

Weather-appropriate clothing: The weather can vary depending on the time of year, so check the forecast and dress accordingly.

Where to stay in House of the Virgin Mary?

The town of Selcuk, which is only a few kilometers away, has numerous hotels, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts to suit a range of budgets and preferences. Here are a few options:

Hotels in Selcuk: Selcuk has a range of hotels from budget to luxury. Examples include Hotel Bella, Ayasoluk Hotel, and Celsus Boutique Hotel.

Guesthouses and B&Bs: There are also several guesthouses and bed and breakfasts in Selcuk that offer a more homey and personal experience.

Hotels in Kusadasi: Kusadasi is a popular seaside resort town about 19 kilometers from Selcuk and offers a wide range of accommodations from budget to luxury. Examples include Charisma Deluxe Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Kusadasi, and LaVista Boutique Hotel & Spa.

Vacation Rentals: If you prefer more privacy or are traveling with a group, you might consider a vacation rental, like an Airbnb.

Hotels in Izmir: If you don’t mind staying a bit farther away, the city of Izmir offers a wide range of accommodations and is about an hour’s drive from the House of the Virgin Mary.

What type of climate does House of the Virgin Mary have?

This region has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters.

During the summer months (June through August), temperatures can reach up to 35°C (95°F), but it’s usually cooler in the mountains where the House of the Virgin Mary is located.

The winter months (December through February) are much cooler, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Rainfall is more frequent during this period.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are usually quite pleasant, with moderate temperatures and less rainfall than in winter.

Please note that the weather can be unpredictable, and it’s always a good idea to check the forecast close to your visit.

When is the best time to visit House of the Virgin Mary?

The best time to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, like many destinations in Turkey, is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is typically pleasant, and the site is less crowded than in the peak summer months.

Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures, making it more comfortable to explore the site and the nearby ancient city of Ephesus. The landscapes are also particularly beautiful during these times, with wildflowers in the spring and colorful foliage in the autumn.

Summers (July and August) can be quite hot and crowded, especially at midday. If you do visit in the summer, it’s advisable to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it’s cooler and less crowded.

Winters (December to February) are cooler and can be rainy, but the advantage is fewer tourists. If you don’t mind cooler temperatures and some potential rain, you’ll have a more peaceful experience.

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The history of House of the Virgin Mary

The history of the House of the Virgin Mary, known as Meryemana in Turkish, is steeped in Christian tradition and belief. According to this tradition, the house, located near Ephesus in modern-day Turkey, is where Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived her final years.

The belief that Mary came to Ephesus with the Apostle John after the crucifixion of Jesus is based on early Christian tradition and some biblical accounts. The Gospel of John (19:26-27) mentions that Jesus, while on the cross, entrusted the care of his mother to John. Early Christian tradition suggests that John later went to Ephesus to spread Christianity and took Mary with him.

However, the House of the Virgin Mary was not discovered until the 19th century. Anne Catherine Emmerich, a bedridden German nun, had vivid visions of Mary’s life, which she described to the poet Clemens Brentano who then published them. Emmerich described the location and details of Mary’s house near Ephesus, despite never having been there.

Following the descriptions from Emmerich’s accounts, a French priest, Abbé Julien Gouyet, discovered a small stone building on a mountain near Ephesus in 1891. This site matched Emmerich’s descriptions, and it was later visited by several popes, lending it credibility as the House of the Virgin Mary.

The house itself is small and humble, and it has been a place of Christian pilgrimage since its discovery. A spring running under the house is believed to have healing properties. While the Catholic Church has never formally endorsed the site, it maintains a steady flow of pilgrimage to the location.

Archaeological evidence suggests the foundations are ancient, dating back to the 1st century AD, but the structure was restored several times, most recently in the 20th century. Despite debates about the authenticity of the site, it is a place of peace and contemplation for many and a significant site of Christian pilgrimage.

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Famous firsts and greatest of House of the Virgin Mary

The House of the Virgin Mary, or Meryemana in Turkish, is a significant place due to its purported connection to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Its “famous firsts” and “greatest” accomplishments are largely tied to its religious significance and the role it has played as a pilgrimage site. Here are a few key points:

Discovery: The House of the Virgin Mary is said to have been discovered in the 19th century due to the visions of a bedridden German nun, Anne Catherine Emmerich, making it one of the first instances where a significant religious site was identified based on visionary experiences.

Papal Visits: The site has been visited by several Popes, which is a significant recognition of its religious importance. Pope Paul VI was the first Pope to visit in 1967, followed by Pope John Paul II in 1979, and Pope Benedict XVI in 2006. These visits have affirmed the House of the Virgin Mary as an important Christian pilgrimage site.

Global Pilgrimage Site: Despite debates about its authenticity, the House of the Virgin Mary is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world. It draws both Christian and Muslim visitors, as Mary (known as Maryam in Islam) is highly revered in both religions.

Symbol of Interfaith Dialogue: The site is unique in that it is a place of veneration for both Christians and Muslims. This shared reverence has made the House of the Virgin Mary a symbol of interfaith dialogue and mutual respect.

World Heritage Site: The ancient city of Ephesus, near which the House of the Virgin Mary is located, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, further enhancing the global recognition of this region.

Miraculous Spring: A spring running underneath the house is believed by some to have healing properties, and many visitors drink from it or take the water home, adding to the site’s significance.

The Wall of Wishes: Near the house, there’s a wall where visitors tie personal notes with prayers and wishes. This “Wall of Wishes” has become a tradition for visitors and is a significant part of the site.

Historical places of House of the Virgin Mary

The house, a small stone building, is believed to be where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years. The house is a site of Christian pilgrimage and has been visited by several popes.

Around the house, there are several features of interest:

The House Itself: The house is modest and made of stone. Inside, there’s a small shrine with an altar and a statue of the Virgin Mary.

The Spring: There’s a spring running beneath the house that is believed by some to have healing properties. Visitors often drink from the spring or collect the water to take with them.

The Wall of Wishes: Near the house is a wall where visitors tie personal notes with prayers and wishes.

The Garden: The area around the house is maintained as a peaceful garden, adding to the serene and contemplative atmosphere of the site.

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Who are the most famous people in the history of House of the Virgin Mary

The most famous person associated with the House of the Virgin Mary is undoubtedly Mary herself, the mother of Jesus. According to Christian tradition, she is believed to have lived in this house in her final years.

Mary is a central figure in Christianity and is also highly revered in Islam. In Christianity, she is honored as the mother of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God. She is often referred to as the “Mother of God” and is the subject of much veneration, with numerous churches and shrines dedicated to her around the world.

In Islam, Mary (or Maryam as she is known in Arabic) is considered one of the most righteous and greatest women in the religion. She is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran, and a whole chapter of the Quran is named after her.

Another notable figure associated with the House of the Virgin Mary is the Apostle John, who according to Christian tradition brought Mary to Ephesus after the crucifixion of Jesus.

In more recent history, several popes have visited the House of the Virgin Mary, affirming its significance as a Christian pilgrimage site. These include Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, and Pope Benedict XVI.

Anne Catherine Emmerich, the bedridden German nun whose visions led to the discovery of the house, is also a significant figure in the history of the House of the Virgin Mary.

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The best House of the Virgin Mary tours

There are many tours available that include a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, often combined with other historical sites in the area, especially Ephesus. Here are some options for the best tours:

Full-Day Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary Tour: This tour typically includes a knowledgeable guide who takes you through the ancient city of Ephesus, explaining its history and significance, followed by a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary. Some tours may also include a visit to the Temple of Artemis and the Basilica of Saint John.

Private Ephesus and The House of Virgin Mary Tour: For a more personalized experience, consider a private tour. These often offer more flexibility with your itinerary and give you the opportunity to explore at your own pace.

Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary and Sirince Village Day Tour: This tour offers a broader experience of the region, adding a visit to the quaint village of Sirince, known for its traditional houses and fruit wines, to the itinerary.

Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary, and Terrace Houses Tour: The Terrace Houses in Ephesus are a fascinating insight into ancient Roman domestic life. Including them in your tour adds another dimension to your understanding of the area’s history.

Multi-Day Aegean Coast Tour: If you have more time, consider a multi-day tour of the Aegean coast, which can include visits to Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, Pergamon, Troy, Gallipoli, and more.

Top tours in House of the Virgin Mary

Ephesus

Anatolia has no shortage of the important historical cities. Ephesus is obviously one of them, as it is one of the biggest open-air museums from antiquity that has survived until this date.

Temple of Artemis

Caution! You are about the see one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Temple of Artemis, located in the Asia Minor in Ephesus, was built as the largest temple of ancient world.

Sirince Village

According to the Mayan calendar, the world was supposed to come to an end on 2012 and there was only one place that would not be affected by the doomsday: Sirince Village.

Selcuk

Did you know that one of the biggest open-air museums of the world is located in Anatolia? Selcuk is an ancient city within the boundaries of Izmir province and it is hosting some of the greatest landmarks of the ancient world.

Kusadasi

A great holiday for most of us has some certain elements like great sea, perfect weather, amazing beaches and mesmerizing nature. This is basically the starter formula of a good holiday. But, what is the place for your dream holiday?

Izmir

Izmir is the third biggest city of Turkey, located along the Aegean shore serenaded by region’s mild weather and amazing views. The city is Izmir, with its ancient name Smyrna, was known to take its name from the Queen of Amazons which is a pretty cool fact.

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