Virgin Mary House: Day Trips and Tours from Izmir

Thought to be the home of one of the most important figures in Christianity, the Virgin Mary House is a holy landmark that draws in thousands of visitors each year who travel to the site to feel closer to God.

Virgin Mary House day trips from Izmir are not only for devoted Christians. History lovers will also be captivated by this enchanting site that was only discovered after appearing to a Catholic nun in a vision.

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

How to get to the Virgin Mary House from Izmir?

The Virgin Mary House is located on the slopes of Mount Koressos just outside the village of Selçuk. It is approximately 90 kilometers south of Izmir.

From Izmir to the Virgin Mary House by car

The journey to the Virgin Mary House takes just over an hour by car and leaves Izmir in a northerly direction along the D300. You’ll then merge onto the E87, which you’ll follow for over 50 kilometers before joining the D550. Just past Selçuk, you’ll join Meryem Ana Yolu, which leads you to the site.

Guided tour to the Virgin Mary House from Izmir

As public transportation is limited in the area, the best way for those without access to a car to make the jaunt to the Virgin Mary House is via an organized tour. These day trips typically last between 5 and 8 hours, and begin with a convenient hotel pickup between 8 AM and 9 AM.

Alternatively, cruise ship passengers on a guided excursion to the Virgin Mary House are usually collected from Izmir Cruise Port.

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

The entrance fee for the Virgin Mary House is TRY200 (US$9), which can be paid by cash or credit card upon arrival.

What is the typical itinerary?

After being collected by a friendly guide, all Virgin Mary House day trips journey south of Izmir toward the holy site. On the majority of excursions, the first destination of the day is Ephesus, where you’ll participate in a guided tour conducted by your knowledgeable party leader.

You’ll then move on to its surrounding archaeological sites, which include the Virgin Mary House, as well as the Temple of Artemis, Isa Bey Mosque and St. John’s Basilica. In most cases, you’ll stop for a local lunch between sites.

While many Virgin Mary House day tours end here and return to Izmir, others continue on to Sirince, which is located less than 20 kilometers northeast of the religious site.

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

There are several different day trips to the Virgin Mary House available, depending on which additional sights you wish to see.

Small-group guided tour to the Virgin Mary House plus Ephesus from Izmir

As part of a small group, you’ll begin your Virgin Mary House day trip by visiting the ancient city of Ephesus. Here, you can marvel at a wealth of celebrated monuments, which include the Grand Theater and the Library of Celsus. Moving on, you can pay homage to Mother Mary at what is thought to be the home she spent her final years in. After a local lunch, you’ll tour the 14th-century Isa Bey Mosque before making your way to the Temple of Artemis — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Private tour to the Virgin Mary House from Izmir

A private day tour to the Virgin Mary House offers greater personalization than a group excursion can provide. You’ll have the opportunity to converse one-on-one with your knowledgeable guide, peppering them with questions as you wander the ruins of Ephesus, which once served as a home to over 250,000 inhabitants. When you reach the home of Mother Mary, you’ll learn about the popes who have visited over the years, giving the site an official blessing.

Day trip to the Virgin Mary House plus Ephesus and Sirince from Izmir

Alternatively, opt for an excursion that includes even more of the area’s spectacular sites. You’ll visit St. John’s Basilica, built upon the resting spot of the revered apostle before seeing the chapel dedicated to Mother Mary at her supposed home. You’ll also stroll through the architectural delights of Ephesus, which date back to the 10th century B.C. Before returning to Izmir, you’ll journey to the mountainside village of Sirince, famed for its fruity wines and pretty cobblestone streets.

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

A small-group day trip to the Virgin Mary House has a maximum of 11 guests and costs US$260 for solo adults over the age of 12. However, you can reduce the cost to US$140 each by booking as a group of two or more individuals. Children aged 5 to 11 also cost US$140 each.

You’ll pay US$500 if you choose to book a private Virgin Mary House day tour alone. However, the cost per head decreases with each person added to your booking. With the maximum number of eight guests in your party, you’ll each pay just over US$100. Children under 4 can participate for free.

Combination day trips to Sirince and the Virgin Mary House operate in groups of 20, and cost US$120 per adult. Children aged between 4 and 8 benefit from a discounted rate of US$100 each while those under 4 cost just over US$20 each.

What will you see and do?

The Virgin Mary House is a shrine, which venerates one of the most revered characters in Christianity, Mother Mary. It was discovered in the second half of the 19th century after several visions by a Catholic nun who led archaeologists to the site. Since that time, the house has cemented itself in the history books and has become a pilgrimage site for devout followers of the religion who come to the site to drink its spring water, which is thought to contain healing properties.

The house has never been properly authenticated, however, it has been blessed by a string of popes since 1896. It is believed that St. John, who acted as a son to Mother Mary after the death of Jesus Christ, brought Mother Mary to Ephesus where she lived out the remainder of her life.

The site includes a small chapel, which features a sizable sculpture of the saint, as well as a side room, thought to be her living chamber. You’ll also find a key-hole shaped pool outside the stone building where it is thought that early Christians were baptized. Many visitors on a day tour to the Virgin Mary House leave their own desires and prayers at the “Wishing Wall.”

What are the opening times?

The Virgin Mary House is open to visitors between 8 AM and 6 PM.

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

The best time to visit the House of the Virgin Mary 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 Virgin Mary House from other cities in Turkey?

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

• Day Trips to Virgin Mary House from Kuşadası
• Day Trips to Virgin Mary House from Selçuk

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.