House of Virgin Mary (Ä°zmir- Selçuk): It is thought to be constructed during IV. Century A. D. Of this place, also named as “Panaya Kapulu” by Christians on 420 meters high Mount Bülbül which is nine kilometers away from Selçuk. On the niche part, which remembers an oven, precious heart of Jesus Christ is represented. Such before the crucifixion, Jesus Christ entrusted his mother to his friend and disciples.As St. Jean thought that to stay in Jerusalem would be dangerous for Virgin Mary after the curicifixion of Jesus Christ, he took her here. Though these rumours are confused with legends, there are evidances proving that these have great deals to do with reality. Having undertaken a sacred mission as to spread Christianity, St. Jean chose Efes as the biggest city of the era, and secluded Virgiv Mary at a hut in a wood of trees very close together on the skirts Bülbül Mountain because he did not want Virgin Mary to live in a place where idol worshippers would annoyed her.

Every day St. Jean secretly visited her and took to her food. It has been considered that Virgin Mary lived and died there when she was 101years old. Then St. Jean buried Virgin Mary again at this secret place which was unknown to anyone except himself. After Christinaity became world wide, a church with “Cross” like layout was constructed of this sacred place of Virgin Mary.

This house is declared as the holy place of Christianity by Papacy in 1967. A ceremony is organized here during the first Sunday of following 15th of August, and people, who came here become hadji.