The House of the Virgin Mary wishing wall is a stone wall below the little chapel on Nightingale Mountain, near Ephesus. You write your wish on a small piece of paper or cloth and tie it to the wall. Christians and Muslims both come here, and the spring water fountains are close by.
My Personal Feelings About the Wall
Many things have been told and speculated about the house of Virgin Mary nearby Ephesus ancient city in Selcuk, Turkey. I personally believe in the history of this house by heart. I also should say that lot of historic and archaeological evidence proves it to be true. I mention all you need to know about the House of Virgin Mary nearby Ephesus in another post. I would like to separately focus on the most important and relieving part of this holy shrine in this article.
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Make a Wish at the Virgin Mary’s House
A beautiful wall, covered with thousands of little pieces of paper with the wishes written on them, can be found at the lower side of the Virgin Mary’s House nearby Ephesus, Turkey. Local people of Turkey believe any wish made with purity in your heart will become true in the presence of a holy person like the Virgin Mary. By the way we call her Mother Mary in Turkey since she gave birth to Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary is highly respected by the Turks. This is the reason every year millions if not hundreds of thousands of people come here and make their wishes.
I recommend my visitors coming from all different cultures or religions to visit this spectacular place. You should see it not just for religious reasons also to feel the peace and calming nature of this hilltop sanctuary.
How to Make a Wish at the Wishing Wall
To make a wish, write it on a small piece of paper or a strip of cloth and tie it to the wall. Keep it short, because thousands of wishes are hanging there already. Please do not read, move or take anybody else’s wish, since each one is a private prayer.
My guests often ask me what to write. I tell them it can be anything, in any language, as long as it comes from the heart. Some wish for health, some for luck, some for their family, and some just say thank you.
Spring Water Fountains at the House of the Virgin Mary
Below the chapel there are three drinking fountains with spring water, and pilgrims drink it or fill small bottles to take home. Many believe it heals the sick. Some even say the first tap is for luck, the second for health and the third for money.
The water is for drinking and for sharing, please take only what you need and let the next person have a turn when it is crowded. My post on the House of the Virgin Mary tells more about the spring.
Respectful Behavior at the House of the Virgin Mary
It is a place of prayer for Christians and Muslims, so please keep your voice low, especially near the chapel and the wall. I suggest covering shoulders and knees, as in any holy place.
Wait for your turn at wall and the fountains, and ask before you photograph people who are praying. If a Mass is going on, stay quiet and do not walk in front of the worshippers. Mary is honored in Islam too. Muslims know her as Maryam, and the 19th chapter of the Quran carries her name. Please never joke about anyone’s beliefs here.
Quiet Times at the House of the Virgin Mary Wishing Wall
Early in the day is usually the calmest time at the wall, and the middle of the day is often busier. The months outside summer are quieter too. The busiest day of the year is August 15, the feast of the Assumption of Mary, so I do not suggest it if you want a peaceful minute with your wish.
The shrine lists its visiting hours and Mass times on its official website, and the Mass times change by season, so please check before you plan your day. I wrote about the services and feast days in Mass at the House of Virgin Mary nearby Ephesus and in Ascension of the Virgin Mary on the 15th of August.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a wish at the House of the Virgin Mary?
Write your wish on a small piece of paper or cloth and tie it to the wishing wall below the house. Keep it short and private, and never touch the wishes of other people.
Is the wishing wall only for Christians?
No. Mary, Meryem Ana in Turkish, is honored in Islam too, and I often see Muslim and Christian visitors at the wall side by side. Please respect each other’s prayers.
When is the House of the Virgin Mary least crowded?
Mornings are usually calmer than the middle of the day, and the months outside summer are quieter than July and August. The busiest day of the year is August 15, the feast of the Assumption.
Contact a Licensed Tour Guide in Turkey
I hope we will see each other at the House of the Virgin Mary and we will make some wishes together. Feel free to contact me to ask your questions about the House of Virgin Mary nearby Ephesus and Wishing Wall at the House of the Virgin Mary. Please use the contact form or other contact details for a guided tour price quote. See you soon, Hasan Gülday
