Destina Transfer

House of Virgin Mary

Make a spiritual journey to this holy place in the peaceful atmosphere of Mount Bulbul, where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days.

History and Spiritual Importance

The House of the Virgin Mary is a significant faith center located on the summit of Bulbul Mountain in the Selcuk district of Izmir, considered sacred by both Christian and Muslim communities. According to Christian belief, before Jesus was crucified, he entrusted his mother Mary to his apostle John, and it is believed that John brought Mary to the Ephesus region to spend her final years there.

The remains of this structure, visited today, were found in the 19th century following discovery efforts based on the detailed visions and descriptions of the German nun Anna Katharina Emmerick. This discovery process was also supported by theologians and researchers of the time, leading to the discovery of many details consistent with the historical texture of the region.

The region, which has become an important pilgrimage site for the Catholic world, was honored with various official visits by the Vatican in the 20th century. Visits by Pope Paul VI (1967), Pope John Paul II (1979), and Pope Benedict XVI (2006) have further reinforced the spiritual importance of the House of the Virgin Mary on an international level.

Today, the House of the Virgin Mary offers visitors both spiritual peace and an atmosphere preserved throughout history with its worship area, wishing wall, holy water fountain, and lush nature. As Destina Transfer, we provide a comfortable and reliable transportation service for this special route, respecting the privacy and spirituality of visitors.

1881

French priest Julien Gouyet discovers the first traces of the structure during his research in the region based on Emmerick's visions.

1891

A second expedition by Lazarist monks confirms the location of the structure, and international interest increases.

1950s

Restoration work is carried out on the structure under the guidance of the Vatican, and the region is transformed into a place of worship organized for pilgrimage.

1967

The official visit of Pope Paul VI strengthens the status of the House of the Virgin Mary as a pilgrimage center within the Catholic faith system.

Today

The Feast of the Assumption, held every year on August 15, continues to attract thousands of local and foreign visitors to the region.

Visiting Areas

House of Virgin Mary Chapel

House of Virgin Mary (Chapel)

It is a modest stone structure. Inside, there is a statue of the Virgin Mary and areas for prayer. Visitors light candles and make wishes here.

Holy Fountains

Holy Fountains (Wishing Water)

The water flowing from the three fountains located under the house is believed to be holy and healing. Visitors drink from this water and take it with them to ask for healing.

Wishing Wall

Wishing Wall

Visitors write their wishes on small pieces of paper or cloth and tie them to this wall. It is a spiritual point where thousands of wishes from every religion and language meet.

Recommendations for Visitors

Dress Code

The House of the Virgin Mary is a sacred place. Please be careful to be quiet and dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered) during your visit.

Recommended Visit Duration

It is sufficient to allocate about 1 hour to feel the spiritual atmosphere of the place and to pray.

Visit with Ephesus

The House of the Virgin Mary is only a few kilometers away from the Ancient City of Ephesus. **With Destina Transfer, you can comfortably visit these two important points on the same day.**

Transportation

Public transportation is limited as it is located on the summit of Bulbul Mountain. **Destina Transfer picks you up safely from your hotel or the airport and takes you directly to the House of Virgin Mary.**

Frequently Asked Questions about House of Virgin Mary Tour

1- How to get to the House of Virgin Mary?

Since it is located on the summit of Bulbul Mountain, the easiest way is by private vehicle. **As Destina Transfer, we pick you up from Izmir, Kusadasi, or Selcuk and take you directly to the House of Virgin Mary comfortably.**

2- Is there an entrance fee? Is the Museum Pass valid?

Yes, there is an entrance fee. However, since the House of Virgin Mary is managed by a private foundation and is not affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, **the Museum Pass is not valid here.**

3- Can Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary be visited on the same day?

Absolutely! These two holy and historical places are very close to each other. **With Destina Transfer, you can plan a private tour to visit both places comfortably and even add Sirince Village to your program.**

4- Is it a suitable tour for cruise passengers?

Yes. We pick you up from Kusadasi port, take you on a tour to the House of Virgin Mary and Ephesus using your limited time in the most efficient way, and drop you back to your ship right on time. **Instead of crowded tour buses, you travel faster and more flexibly with your private vehicle.**

Customer Reviews

"Fantastic service. The driver was very helpful and the vehicle was spotless. Highly recommended for airport pickups and private trips around Ephesus."

J
Julia S.

"The driver was very kind, helped with luggage and kept us company. Even in heavy rain, he drove very carefully. Great service!"

A
Anna B.

"A very respectful and comfortable journey. The driver informed me about the arrival time beforehand, which made the trip stress-free. Thank you Destina!"

M
Merve K.