Ephesus is one of the holiest destinations in the Christian world — the city of Paul's ministry, John's Gospel, and, according to ancient tradition, the final years of the Virgin Mary. Today it draws pilgrims of every tradition.
The House of the Virgin Mary
Nestled on Mount Koressos (Bülbül Dağı) above Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi) is believed to be where Mary lived her final years in the care of the Apostle John. The simple stone chapel is a place of deep stillness and prayer, honored by Catholics and Orthodox Christians alike.
The site has been visited and blessed by several popes, underscoring its importance in the Christian world and its role as a place of unity across traditions.
The Basilica of St. John
A short distance away in Selçuk stands the Basilica of St. John, built by Emperor Justinian over the traditional tomb of the Apostle John. Once one of the largest churches of its age, its ruins remain a powerful place to reflect on the beloved disciple who wrote, "God is love."
Ancient Ephesus
“When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"”
— ACTS 19:28
The ruins of Ephesus itself are breathtaking — the Library of Celsus, the marble main street, and the Great Theater that seated 25,000 and witnessed the events of Acts 19. Few places connect the New Testament with visible history as powerfully as Ephesus.
Visiting Ephesus as a Pilgrim
Ephesus features in both our Seven Churches of Revelation and Complete Türkiye pilgrimages. We include time for worship at the House of the Virgin Mary and quiet reflection amid the ruins — experiencing Ephesus not as tourists, but as pilgrims.
Experience This Journey
Related pilgrimages that visit the places in this article:
