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| This is where the Roman baths were as we walked to Mary's home. |
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| This statue of Mary was also on the path towards Marys home. |
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| Located on the top of the "Bulbul" mountain 9 km ahead of Ephesus, the shrine of Virgin Mary enjoys a marvelous atmosphere hidden in the green. It is the place where Mary may have spent her last days, indeed, she may have come in the area together with Saint John, who spent several years in the area to spread Christianity. Mary preferred this remote place rather than living in a crowded place. |
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| The original 2 story house, which consisted of an anteroom (where today candles are proposed), bedroom and praying room (Christian church area) and a room with a fireplace (chapel for Muslims). A front kitchen fell into ruins and has been restored in the 1940's. Today only the central part and a room on the right of the altar are open to visitors. From there one can understand that this building looks more like a church than a house. |
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| Paul VI was the first pope to visit this place in the 1960's. Later, in the 1980's, during his visit, Pope John-Paul II declared the Shrine of Virgin Mary as a Pilgrimage place for Christians. It is also visited by Muslims who recognize Mary as the mother of one of their prophets. Every year, on August 15th a ceremony is organized to commemorate Mary's Assumption. |
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| The house is a typical Roman architectural example, entirely made of stones. In the 4th century AD, a church, combining her house and grave has been built. |
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| Steps leading down from Marys home to where the holy water was pouring out of fountains. |
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| People who would visit would light candles and leave lit in remembrance of her. |
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| Another interesting place is the "Water of Mary", a source to be found at the exit of the church area and where a rather salt water, with curative properties, can be drunk by all. |
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| This wall is filled with white scrapes of paper that people would tie on in remembrance of the Virgin Mary. |
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| Walking back past the Roman baths |
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| Shop at the entrance of the Virgin Marys home. I just browsed through but did not buy anything. |
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| Tourists shopping in the open shops along the walk way to the Virgin Marys home. |
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| Here I am, just walking around and waiting for our tour group to meet together so we can leave to go to our next destination. |
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| Statue of Mary in Ephesus |
