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The shrine of the Virgin Mary is hidden in an amazing green oasis not far from the ancient city of Ephesus. It is said that Mary may have come to the area with St. John and spent her last days here.
The House of Virgin Mary is made entirely of stones. Only part of the foundation was excavated. The current chapel was restored in the 1950s. A red painted line distinguishes the original remains from the restored part. The chapel was declared an official pilgrimage site and was restored to make it suitable for this purpose.
A church, combining her house and grave. The original two-stored house consisted of an anteroom, a bedroom and praying room and a room with a fireplace. Only the central part of the house and a room to the right of the altar are open to visitors.
There is a feeling of reverence in this place. Mass services every morning at 7:15 AM and 10:30 AM on Sunday. This site is sacred to many Catholics and Muslims. All who enter are asked to whisper. Visitors are also asked to refrain from taking pictures or video taping.
August 15th is commemorated as Mary’s Assumption.
There is also a place not far from the house known as the “Water of Mary” or holy water which can be drunk by any who wants to or who believe in the curative powers.
A little far down from the holy water is the Prayer Wall where visitors can leave a prayer in the hopes of an answer.
In the 1960’s, Paul VI was the first pope to visit the House of Virgin Mary. In the 1980’s, Pope John-Paul II declared the Shrine of Virgin Mary as a pilgrimage for Christians. Muslims also visit the shrine as they recognize Mary as the mother of one of their prophets.
Evidence of a baptismal font are also in evidence on the walk up to Mary’s house.
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