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Day trips from Izmir
House of the Virgin Mary near Ephesus, visiting from Izmir
The House of the Virgin Mary is a small stone chapel on Mount Koressos, a few kilometres above Ephesus and about 85 km south of Izmir. It is a place of pilgrimage for Christians and Muslims. A visit takes under an hour on a short, shaded path.
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At a glance
The House of the Virgin Mary, in brief
- about 85 kmSouth of central Izmir, above Ephesus
- around 1 hour 15 minutesBy car from Izmir
- 45–60 minutesFor the chapel and gardens
- PilgrimageVisited by Christians and Muslims
What is the House of the Virgin Mary?
According to tradition, Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her last years near Ephesus, brought there by the apostle John. The small chapel that stands on the site today was rebuilt on older foundations, and the house was identified in the late 19th century after a search inspired by the visions of a German nun, Anne Catherine Emmerich.
The Catholic Church has never ruled on the tradition, but the house is a recognised place of pilgrimage and has been visited by several popes, including Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Mary, Meryem Ana in Turkish, is also honoured in Islam, and many Muslim visitors come to pray.
Below the chapel are taps of spring water that visitors drink from, and a long wishing wall where people tie notes and pieces of cloth. The whole site sits in woodland, noticeably cooler than the plain below.
Getting there
How to get to the House of the Virgin Mary from Izmir
The house is on a winding mountain road about 8 km from Ephesus and has no regular public transport, so most visitors come by car or taxi. From central Izmir the drive takes around an hour and a quarter, depending on your hotel and traffic.
Because it is so close to Ephesus, the two are often visited on the same day. If you are recovering, it may be easier to keep the House of the Virgin Mary as a short outing on its own; your coordinator can arrange a driver once your surgeon is happy for you to go.
Recover, then explore
Breast and face surgery packages in Izmir, with a calm day out
A short, shaded visit like this one suits the end of a stay for many breast and face patients, once their surgeon has cleared them. Each card shows the hospital and hotel nights it covers.
Breast augmentation with lift
Facelift
Gynecomastia surgery
Visiting
Visiting the House of the Virgin Mary and what to expect
The visit follows a single path: from the car park through the gardens to the chapel, then down past the fountains and the wishing wall.
| Part of the visit | What it is | Allow |
|---|---|---|
| Garden path | A short paved path under trees from the car park to the chapel | about 10 minutes |
| The chapel | A small stone house of prayer; visitors keep quiet inside | about 10 minutes |
| Spring water fountains | Taps of spring water below the chapel | about 10 minutes |
| Wishing wall | A wall where visitors tie written wishes and pieces of cloth | about 10 minutes |
Times are a guide. Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. Opening hours and tickets are set by the site; check them before you go.
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Breast surgery reviews from patients who recovered in Izmir
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Visiting the House of the Virgin Mary after surgery
Of the four day trips from Izmir, this is the shortest walk: a paved, gently sloping path in the shade, and you can sit in the gardens whenever you need to. The longer part of the outing is the car journey, around an hour and a quarter each way, with the last stretch on a winding mountain road.
Whether you can go, and when, depends on your treatment and on how you are healing, so ask your surgeon first. After breast or face surgery you may be asked to avoid bending, lifting and long periods in the sun; plan the visit for a cool part of the day and keep your coordinator's number to hand.
Results vary from patient to patient. Your surgeon will tell you what is realistic for your recovery at the consultation.
Plan your days in Izmir
More day trips from Izmir
Back to the guide
Izmir travel guide
Airport, transfers, seasons and all four day trips.
Izmir travel guide →
Day trip
Ancient City of Ephesus
Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre, near Selçuk.
Ancient City of Ephesus →
Next stop
Ancient City of Pergamon
Hilltop acropolis and the Asklepion healing centre.
Next stop: Ancient City of Pergamon →
Day trip
Şirince Village
Stone houses and fruit wines in the hills above Selçuk.
Şirince Village →Questions
House of the Virgin Mary questions from patients
Where is the House of the Virgin Mary?
It is on Mount Koressos (Bülbüldağı), about 8 km by road from Ephesus and the town of Selçuk, and about 85 km south of central Izmir.
How long does a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary take?
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour walking the garden path, visiting the chapel and stopping at the fountains and the wishing wall.
Can I visit the House of the Virgin Mary and Ephesus on the same day?
Yes, the two are only a short drive apart and are often combined. If you are recovering from treatment, ask your surgeon whether a combined day is too much and consider visiting them separately.
Ephesus visiting guide →Do Muslims visit the House of the Virgin Mary?
Yes. Mary is honoured in Islam as Meryem Ana, and the house is visited by both Christians and Muslims.
Can I visit the House of the Virgin Mary after surgery?
The walk is short and shaded, but the drive is long. Ask your surgeon when it is safe for you; many patients plan it for the end of their stay.
Breast augmentation guide →Your trip to Izmir
Plan your treatment in Izmir and a quiet visit to Mount Koressos
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