Izmir was a wonderful experience because this part of Turkey is very different from the capital and the main city Istanbul. Took a road-trip to Ephesus and it was a nice trip.
My journey at this wonderful part of the country place at the port. A very good port by the way. You’ll find city tour guides and taxis offering tours.
In the city you’ll see beautiful modern buildings.
I decided to visit Ephesus the ancient city and the house of Virgin Mary on Mount Koressos.
On the journey we’ve found small communities and some well developed towns.
Considering stopping by to have some good meals. People in Izmir are very friend and food is cheap.
Entrance Fee and Open Hours 🎫 2023 entrance fee for House of Virgin Mary is 200 Turkish Liras per person. 200 Turkish Liras is approximately 10.5 US$ or 10 Euros. 💳 Credit Card (Visa and Mastercard payments are accepted. ) Open Hours:
November-February: 08:00–17:00
March-October: 08:00–18:00 🧎🏾🧎🏻♀️
Holy Mass is held every day, from Monday to Saturday at 5:15 pm (November to March) and 6:15 pm (April to October).
Along the road to Mary the Virgin’s house you’ll read signs informing how sacred that place is considered. Consider wearing some appropriate clothing for religious gatherings. Moreover , some signs will indicate forbidden places to go and others bring some historic context of the place.
A beautiful natural park surrounds the place. You walk up and down the hill till the house of Mary. However you’ll be astonished by the peace , the breeze and historicity this place offers.
The House of the Virgin Mary is located 9 kilometers from Selcuk on Mount Bülbül. It is believed that 4 or 6 years after Jesus' crucifixion, St. John brought Virgin Mary to Ephesus.
Christian Historians and religious experts agree that Saint John, Saint Paul, and the Virgin Mary lived in the ancient city of Ephesus that these days is one of Turkey’s top attractions.
Archeological evidence showed that the little house was from the 6C AD but that the foundations were from the first century AD. Proving that some people restored this home. What was interesting was that every year on August 15th some villagers came here and made ceremonies under the name Panaghia Kapulu. First they were asked why they make these ceremonies. Like so many in the world without knowing what Christmas of Easter means, they did not have any clue. Historians searched the word Panaghia Kapulu and found out that it means Virgin's Door. August 15th, still celebrated as the assumption date of Virgin Mary. From these indications they thought this is the house that Virgin Mary spent her last years.
People light up candles and of offer prayers at this very place.
As we made our way up the path toward the small house, we passed this large, keyhole-shaped baptismal pool, which was apparently once part of a church on the site.
Some flea markets around Ephesus you’ll some souvenirs. Some of these souvenirs are quite interesting.
In Izmir , close to the port you find a complex with stores and restaurants. Loved the prices over there.
It was an amazing day ! Visit Turkey !