Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House), Selcuk

This is a quick stop that guides take you to right before visiting the ancient city of Ephesus. Particularly for Catholics it's a very sacred place, as it is thought that the virgin Mary spent her last days in this house. No photos are allowed inside of the house. After walking through the house and paying respects, you can light up candles for prayers. There are also 3 fountains in a brick wall beside the path - there is a local legend that if you drink from all three and make a wish Mary will help make it come true. You can tie your wish to this wall at the end. As you leave there are many souvenir shops on route for religious trinkets and ornaments.

This was the most humbling experience for me. God’s own chosen Mary lived her life in the most modest of dwelling imaginable. There is a certain serenity and tranquility to this place, which calms you, de-stresses you and soothes your angst, just like it is to be in your mother’s lap. It has now been converted to a chapel. Decent dressing and silence is the only ask of this place. Entry is ticketed but the money is taken by the town authorities; the chapel seeks no contribution.

Peace of mind can be felt here the moment u enter this miraculous place. Very beautiful religious place. Well maintained and cleanliness can be seen all around the premises. The entrance fees to the shrine is 10€. Please dress appropriately or else u wont be allowed to enter inside Suviners r a bit expensive.

According to the tour guide, Catholic pilgrims visit the house based on the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to this stone house by Saint John and lived there for the remainder of her earthly life. Catholic Church has never pronounced in favour or against the authenticity of the house, the site has nevertheless received a steady flow of pilgrimage since its discovery : per description from Google. This is a stop to Ephesus, located at a Mt. Koressos. You would find a key hole-shaped baptismal pool. The shrine itself is not extensively large, but may rather be described as a modest chapel. Good to spend 45 mins walking around and no camera to bring inside the small chapel and you would see an actual room believed Virgin Mary has slept there.

The House of Virgin Mary is a very quiet, calm and spiritual place. You can take a walk through this house but no pictures are allowed. It's beloved that the Virgin Mary had spent her last days in the vicinity of Ephesus and that she had died there. There are a few souvenir shops and washrooms too.