On the Bülbül mountain is the house of Mary, the mother of Christians. This area, also called Panaya Kapulu by Christians, is thought to have been built in the 4th century AD. According to Christian belief, shortly before the crucifixion of Jesus, Mary came to this region with Jesus’ apostle St-Jean and spent the last moments of her life there. St-Jean did not want to bring Mary into the pagan region, so he hid Mary in the hut of Bülbül Mountain in this densely wooded area. It is known that St Jean secretly visited Mary every day and brought food and drinks. It is accepted that Mary lived here until she was 101 and died here. St-Jean buried Mary in a place that nobody else knew about.
Founded in 1891, this building belongs to the association of Mary and was declared as a pilgrimage centre by Pope Paul IV. The building, which has been restored to its present appearance, is also home to the rituals organized by the Vatican every year on the 15th of August, the day of the death of Mary. There is a chapel, a small statue of Mary, a prayer area for those who wish to pray and plant candles, a wish area to write their wishes on napkins and hang, and a fountain where clean drinking water flows. The house of the Virgin Mary, which is 7 km away from Selçuk, can be reached by private car or taxi. The main house of the Virgin Mary can be reached with a private vehicle, as well as the minibuses departing from the Selçuk station. This area is open to visitors between 08:00 and 19:00 in the summer, 08:00 and 18:00 during the winter months, the entrance fee is paid and no museum card is allowed.
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