Believed by many to be the home where the venerated saint spent the final years of her life after her only son was crucified, the House of the Virgin Mary attracts thousands of loyal Catholics every year to celebrate one of the most important figures in Christianity.

House of the Virgin Mary day trips from Kuşadası are not just for religious devotees. History buffs, architecture enthusiasts and culture lovers will also find the remains of this holy ground to be captivating.

Here's all you need to know about the House of the Virgin Mary, one of the most exciting day trips from Kuşadası.

How to get to the House of the Virgin Mary from Kuşadası?

The House of the Virgin Mary is located on the slopes of Mount Koressos, close to the ancient city of Ephesus in Western Turkey. It is approximately 30 kilometers from the town of Kuşadası.

From Kuşadası to the House of the Virgin Mary by car

The journey to the House of the Virgin Mary takes around 30 minutes by car, leaving Kuşadası in a northerly direction. After joining the D515, you’ll simply follow the road as far as Selçuk where you’ll turn right and join the D550. You’ll then follow Meryem Ana Yolu, which leads you to the site.

Guided tour to the House of the Virgin Mary from Kuşadası

As there is no public transportation connection to the site, those without access to a car will find the best way to make the jaunt to the House of the Virgin Mary is via an organized tour. These day trips last between 3 and 10 hours, depending on any additional destinations you visit, and begin with a convenient hotel pickup between 7 AM and 8 AM.

If you are booking a guided excursion to the House of the Virgin Mary as a cruise passenger, you’ll have the option to meet your guide at Kuşadası Cruise Terminal instead.

How much does the entrance ticket to the House of the Virgin Mary cost?

The entrance fee for the House of the Virgin Mary is TRY200 (US$9).

What is the typical itinerary?

After meeting your tour guide, either at your hotel lobby or at Kuşadası’s cruise terminal, you’ll board your vehicle and set off on your House of the Virgin Mary day trip. You’ll usually visit the main destination first where you can see how the mother of Jesus would have lived in the final years of her life.

Those who follow the religion can offer up a prayer inside the chapel while those more interested in history may choose to simply amble around the archaeological find, imagining life in the 1st century. While many excursions visit this monument first, others reserve a trip here for later in the day.

Continuing on, you’ll embark on a guided tour of Ephesus — one of the best-preserved ancient Greek cities in the world. You’ll then travel to the Temple of Artemis before returning to Kuşadası where your House of the Virgin Mary day tour ends. Before entering the religious monument, you may stop for a traditional lunch in a nearby village.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the House of the Virgin Mary?

House of the Virgin Mary day tours usually include other fascinating sites, such as the ancient city of Ephesus. You can choose your excursion based on your preferred travel style.

Guided tours to the House of the Virgin Mary plus Ephesus from Kuşadası

This day trip begins by visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, which is thought to be where the mother of Jesus spent her final days after being escorted here by John the Baptist. You’ll explore the history of the shrine, which was rediscovered in the 19th century.

Continuing on, you’ll arrive at Ephesus where you can wander through its plethora of ruins, including the Grand Theater, which once housed 25,000 spectators, and the Library of Celsus. Before returning to Kuşadası, you’ll visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — the Temple of Artemis — built in the 6th century B.C.

Private all-inclusive tour to the House of the Virgin Mary plus Ephesus from Kuşadası

If you’re seeking greater personalization than a group excursion provides, opt for a private day tour to the House of the Virgin Mary. You’ll begin by visiting Ephesus where you’ll roam the entire site, hearing tales of iconic historical figures who have links to the destination, including Cleopatra and Alexander the Great. You’ll explore many ancient ruins, including the Baths of Scholastica, renovated in the 4th century.

Moving on, you’ll pay homage to the Virgin Mary at her supposed houme, which serves as a Catholic pilgrimage site and has been visited by several popes, before dining on local fare in the village of Selçuk. See the spectacular Temple of Artemis before embarking on a scenic drive back to Kuşadası.

How much does a day trip to the House of the Virgin Mary from Kuşadası cost?

A basic group day trip to the House of the Virgin Mary costs US$40 per person and is bookable for cruise guests only. You must book as a group of two or more individuals and children pay the same rate as adults.

Alternatively, you can upgrade your experience to include only your group for between US$70 and US$80 each. This option is suitable for hotel guests, as well as cruise passengers. In either case, you’ll benefit from the services of a professional guide, however, all entrance fees are at your own expense.

Private all-inclusive day trips to the House of the Virgin Mary cost between US$90 and US$100 each while children between the ages of 6, and 8 cost US$20 each. The minimum booking requirement is two adults and you can select up to 15 individuals in your group. Lunch is provided and skip-the-line tickets to all sites are also included in the overall cost of the tour.

What will you see and do?

The House of the Virgin Mary was unearthed during the 19th century after several visions seen by the Catholic nun, Anne Catherine Emmerich. Since that time, the home has served as a pilgrimage site for devout Catholics and although it has never been authenticated, many popes have made the journey to its chapel. It is believed that Mother Mary was led to Ephesus by St. John the Apostle who traveled there to preach the Gospel.

The house itself is a simple building formed of stone and has been transformed into a chapel, featuring a large statue of Mother Mary. There is also a keyhole-shaped pool on site where it is thought that early Christians were baptized. To the side of the chapel, visitors on a day trip to the House of the Virgin Mary can explore a single room where it is thought that she would have slept in the later years of her life.

What are the opening times?

The House of the Virgin Mary is open to visitors between 8 AM and 6 PM throughout the year.

When is the best time to visit the House of the Virgin Mary?

The best time to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, near Ephesus, Turkey, is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) seasons. It is recommended to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat. Please, also remember that weekdays are generally less busy compared to weekends.

Are there any tours to the House of the Virgin Mary from other cities in Turkey?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Turkey:

Travel tips

Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, as it is a religious site. Both men and women should ensure their shoulders and knees are covered.
Take your time for reflection: The House of the Virgin Mary is considered a sacred and spiritual place by many visitors. Be mindful of others who might also be engaged in prayer or meditation.
Familiarize yourself with the history and significance of the House of the Virgin Mary before your visit. Understanding the context and background will enhance your experience and appreciation of the site.

House of the Virgin Mary: Day Trips and Tours from Kuşadası