St. John’s Tomb and Mary’s House
There are many ancient ruins in Turkey to visit. On Turkey’s western coast the larger ruins are Pergamon and Ephesus, with smaller cities of Priene, Didyma, Militos and others that are very impressive and cover the cultures of Greece, Rome, Ionian, Hittite and others. Some of these ancient sites have a significance for the Christian community of today.
On the Ayasoluk Hill in Selcuk, Turkey, one can visit the remains of a large basilica that was built around the tomb of St. John the Apostle. St. John wished to be buried on this hill and years later his grave site was marked. Emperor Constantine built a small wooden church over his tomb and later Emperor Justinian built a massive stone basilica on the site. It remained in ruin for many years and then was excavated to uncover the present site that is viewed today.
Overview of St. Johns Basilica
St. John's Basilica, Selcuk, Turkey
Inside Basilica of St. John, Selcuk
Tomb of St. John the Apostle, Selcuk, Turkey
There are many stones that have fallen down through earthquakes and destruction, but there are many pieces of art that are interesting on this site.
Baptismal area, St. John's Basilica, Selcuk
St. John's Basilica, Selcuk, Turkeky
Selcuk is only about 3 km. from Ephesus and another 8km. will take you up Bulbuldag Hill to Mary’s House. Here is where it is thought Mary spent the end of her days. It is now a park run by the local municipality. The hills are forested and is very cool and there is a natural spring that brings water to the hill. Visitors can use it for drinking and washing.
Entrance to Mary's House
Since photographs are not permitted inside Mary’s House, a picture was taken and I have reproduced it here. At evening Mass here, which is everyday at 6pm, the Mass is said in Mary’s House. Normally, this would not be done because of all the visitors, but the park is closed in the evening and Mass attendees are only allowed. The Franciscan Capuchin Friars live here and provide the services here.
Inside picture of Mary's House
Side view of Mary's House
Notes about Mary's House
Sunday’s Mass is celebrated in a chapel that has a private entrance around the corner from Mary’s House. There are several regular attendees and many visiting tourists that attend. The Sunday Mass is at 10:30am . When I was there there were three Capuchin Fathers that con-celebrated. There are several Franciscan Friars that live there and some visiting.
Fr./Br. Bartholomew
Inside Chapel, Near Mary's House
Entrance to Chapel, Near Mary's House
Fr./Br. Paolo joking with Italian compatriots
There are two Fr. Paolos at times here. There is a resident Fr. Paolo and Fr. Paolo (pictured) is from Izmir. They sometimes travel around the area to provide Mass for visiting Christians.
Going to Mary’s House was a most blessed opportunity for me, for I met some very interesting people who opened my eyes to the beauty of universality.
Ann C. says:
June 27th, 2013 at 1:18 am
Hello, I just found this report. I will be traveling to Ephesus this Oct, 20013. I have been looking for a Mass schedule at the Shrine, as I will be visiting on a Sunday and would
very much like to attend a Mass while there. Is there a current email or site that would
post the Sunday Mass Schedule? I will be arriving by ship at 8 AM. According to your
notes, I think I will be able to attend Mass!
Bless you!
Ann
marym says:
July 14th, 2013 at 10:05 am
Dear Ann,
I’m not sure of the schedule at present, but Mass used to be every Sunday at 10am. You might be able to get the information through the websites associated with the House of Mary in Ephesus. To get to the chapel you will have to walk past the house of Mary through a gate which goes around the side to a chapel and the priest’s house. The resident priests are Franciscan and very helpful. Hope this gives some information to you. Mary
Cynthia Ann Passuntino says:
October 25th, 2013 at 5:01 pm
On July 4, 2013 my family and I visited the Blessed Mother’s home. We attended mass at the chapel celebrated by Fr. Bartholomew. For all of us this was a very special place. Meeting Father was a wonderful experience for me and my husband as my brother was a Franciscan priest who passed away four years ago. As a little girl the Franciscans were very much a part of my life. We would like to send Fr. Bartholomew and the Friars a gift. Is there anyway someone could send me an mailing and an email address? Our hearts were filled with such happiness just to see Father’s picture. It was a very touching experience to meet Father and he left a lasting memory in our hearts.
Deborah Hawkins says:
January 30th, 2021 at 7:17 pm
We really enjoyed your photos, as I can’t find mine of St. John’s tomb. We were there in 2006 and I recall children’s crutches on the ancient interior walls of the church.
The link is for the few photos we captured.
marym says:
January 31st, 2021 at 1:23 pm
Thank you, Deborah, for your pictures and I’m glad you enjoyed my blog. It is to share some travel experiences with others and a few thoughts. Peace and All Good, Mary