House of the Virgin Mary

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The experience of visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, located about 7 kms from Selcuk, proved to be a most peaceful one. This house is believed to have been the last home of Mary. She came here to escape the persecutions of the Jews. The house has been visited by Popes Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Located close the harbour of Ephesus, this house was the setting of the Third Ecumenical Council, the Council of Ephesus held in 431.

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Photos

The House of the Virgin Mary
Researchers believe this is the house where Mary spent the last years of her life.

The Outdoor Altar
While we were visiting, a Bishop was saying Mass in the outside chapel area with a group of Italian pilgrims.

House Detail
The Original House building is believed to be below the purple line. The part above the line has been restored since.

The Environs of the House
A most peaceful setting

Comments

[Tom Smyth]

Ephesus
Dear John, What did you think of Ephesus? The photos of Selcuk bring back memories. There were more people about when I was there. Tom.

[Sabbatical]

Ephesus
Dear Tom Ephesus was great. As you know, you could spend a week there.We only had a small group visiting the House of the Virgin Mary but there were a lot of pilgrims around. I did not include them in the photos. There wrere also quite a lot visiting the old city. With best wishes, John