Please dress modestly at the House of the Virgin Mary near Ephesus, with shoulders and knees covered, because it is a place of prayer. A mass at the House of Virgin Mary is held every day, and below the chapel you will find the wishing wall and the holy water fountains.
Where is the House of Virgin Mary?
Contact a Licensed Tour Guide in Turkey
It takes about ten minutes of driving from Ephesus Ancient City to the House of the Virgin Mary. House is about twenty minutes away from Selcuk town, thirty minutes away from Kusadasi and one hour away from Izmir. These times can vary depending on the season and how crowded it is on the day of the mass.
When do they hold the mass at the House of Virgin Mary?
There are several types of events and masses taking place in the House of the Virgin Mary. There is a mass every day. Taking place at 17.15 (November to March) and at 18.15 (April to October). Weekly mass takes place, as expected, on Sunday at 10:30. You can join for rosary prayers if you come thirty minutes before the mass times.
Update, October 2026: The mass times have changed since I wrote this. On Sundays the mass is at 10:30 all year: outdoors on the esplanade from May to October, and in the Betania Chapel from November to April. On weekdays it is at 10:30 on the esplanade from May to October, and at 17:30 inside the House from November to April. The rosary is at 18:00 in summer and 17:00 in winter. You need a reservation to take part, so write to me before your visit and I will help.
You also can join special events organized at the House of the Virgin Mary. Most commonly organized events are;
- Mass for Mary, Mother of God on the first of January every year.
- Mass of Christmas Day on the 25th of December every year.
- Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the 15th of August every year.
- Feast of Saint John the Evangelist on the 25th and 26th of every year.
- Saint Patrick’s Day Mass on the 17th of March every year.
- Mass of the Resurrection on the 21st of April every year.
Transport to the House of Virgin Mary
There is no public transport heading to the house. You can go with a private guide, or take a transfer van or a taxi to reach the house. Walking from Ephesus’ upper gate to the house of the Virgin Mary is possible but please keep in mind that walking will be uphill and above one hour.
Dress Code at the House of Virgin Mary
The rule of thumb is simple: modest clothes for men and women, with shoulders and knees covered. House is a small chapel where people pray every day, and Christian and Muslim visitors stand there side by side. My post on what to wear during your Ephesus tour has more ideas.
Wishing Wall and Holy Water Fountains
When you leave the chapel, go down the steps on the right. You find the fountains there and, close by, the wall where visitors tie their wishes on small papers and strips of cloth. Thousands of wishes hang on it, and I wrote about them in Make a Wish at the Virgin Mary’s House.
The fountains run with spring water from the hillside. Many visitors fill a small bottle to take home, because they believe the water heals the sick.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the entrance fee for the House of the Virgin Mary?
An entrance fee is paid at the gate, and the amount changes from year to year, so I do not print a number here. Write to me before your visit and I will tell you the current price.
Can visitors join the mass at the House of the Virgin Mary?
Yes, the mass is open to visitors but seats are arranged in advance. Write to me before your arrival and I will help. Please keep silent during the mass and ask before you photograph people who are praying.
What should I wear to the House of the Virgin Mary in summer?
Light clothes that cover shoulders and knees: a T-shirt with sleeves, linen trousers or a long skirt. Tank tops and short shorts do not suit a place of prayer. In Summertime a thin shawl in your bag helps too.
Contact a Licensed Tour Guide in Turkey
You can always contact your professional licensed Turkish tour guide to learn more about the House of Virgin Mary in Ephesus. Please write to me as soon as possible before your arrival if you want me to arrange a seat for you in the masses or in the special events taking place at the House of the Virgin Mary. I hope we will tour in this highly spiritual place with you. See you soon, Hasan Gülday.
Websites about the House of Virgin Mary
https://www.hzmeryemanaevi.com/en/
https://turkisharchaeonews.net/object/house-virgin-mary-ephesus
