Daily Ephesus Tour – House of the Virgin Mary
Join a Daily Ephesus Tour to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful and sacred site. The story of this house began in the 19th century with a German nun named Catherine Emmerich. She had visions of Mary living in Ephesus, although she had never visited the area.
Based on her visions, priests from Izmir explored the area near Ephesus. On the slopes of Bulbuldagi Hill (the Hill of Nightingales), they discovered ruins. These ruins were dated to the 6th century AD, but some parts were older, possibly from the 1st century. This small house has now become a place of prayer and pilgrimage for many people.
The Catholic Church has never officially confirmed this house as Mary’s home. But several popes have blessed and supported the site. In 1896, Pope Leo XIII gave it his blessing. In 1951, Pope Pius XII declared it a Holy Place. Later, Pope John XXIII confirmed this status.
In 1967, Pope Paul VI visited the site. Other popes followed, including Pope John Paul II in 1979 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2006. These visits made the House of the Virgin Mary even more special to Christians worldwide.
To explore this site, book our Ephesus guided tours.

Daily Ephesus Tour – The Life of Mary in Ephesus
There is no clear proof that Mary lived in Ephesus. But there are strong reasons to believe the story. First, St. John the Apostle lived in Ephesus. Before dying, Jesus asked him to take care of His mother.
In Selcuk, near Ephesus, you can visit the Basilica of St. John and his believed tomb. The second reason is the Church of St. Mary in Ephesus. It is one of the earliest churches named after Mary. This shows that early Christians respected her deeply here.
Learn more about these spiritual places on a private fun tour Istanbul or private tours Balkan.

Daily Ephesus Tour – Council of Ephesus
In 431 AD, the famous Council of Ephesus took place. Church leaders gathered to decide whether Mary should be called Mother of God. The council agreed that Jesus was both human and divine from birth. So Mary was officially given the title Theotokos, meaning Mother of God.
This decision was a major moment in Christian history. The location of this council shows that Ephesus was a very important religious center.
Greek people from the village of Sirince also supported this idea. They would walk to a nearby place called Panaya Kapulu to honor the Dormition of Mary every year.

Daily Ephesus Tour – A Place of Pilgrimage
The House of the Virgin Mary is simple but peaceful. It is a one-room stone house with a small altar and a place to light candles. Visitors often leave wishes or prayers on a wall near the house.
Many visitors describe the atmosphere as calm and spiritual. It is a perfect place for quiet reflection during your Daily Ephesus Tour.
Add this experience to your Ephesus guided tours itinerary today.

Why Visit the House of the Virgin Mary?
- See where many believe Mary spent her final years. Visit a site supported by several Popes. Discover the story that started with a nun’s vision. Feel the spiritual atmosphere in this peaceful setting. Connect with Christian history in a beautiful natural area
Book now or contact us to plan your special Daily Ephesus Tour.