SELCUK TAXI Selcuk to House of Virgin Mary Taxi
Fixed-price taxi and transfer from Selcuk to the House of the Virgin Mary on Mount Bulbul. 9 km distance, around 15 minutes by mountain road. One of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the world.
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About the Selcuk - Virgin Mary House Transfer
The House of the Virgin Mary is a holy site believed to be where Mary, mother of Jesus, spent her final years. It sits 9 km from central Selcuk, on the slopes of Mount Bulbul, in a quiet pine-covered valley. The taxi journey takes around 15 minutes via mountain road.
Public transport options to the site are very limited; bus and minibus connections are weak. For this reason, taxi or private transfer is the most practical choice for both pilgrims and history-curious tourists. An online fixed-price booking lets you travel without surprise charges.
About the House of the Virgin Mary
The House of the Virgin Mary is the only site officially recognised as a pilgrimage destination by the Vatican. Pope Paul VI (1967), Pope John Paul II (1979) and Pope Benedict XVI (2006) all made pilgrimages here, cementing its symbolic importance. According to Christian tradition, after the crucifixion of Jesus, St. John brought Mary to this region, and she lived out her final years here.
The site's 19th-century rediscovery follows the visions of the German nun Anne Catherine Emmerich. Emmerich described the house in detail without ever having seen it; following her visions, a Lazarist priest located the ruins by archaeological excavation in 1881. The small stone chapel was restored and opened to visitors.
One traditional practice is to drink from three fountains near the house (health, love and prosperity) and tie a paper wish to the wishing wall. The site is venerated by Catholics, Orthodox Christians and Muslims alike; in Islam, Mary (Maryam) is honoured in the Quran. Allow 1-2 hours for a visit.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
The site is open daily 08:00-18:00 (extended to 19:00 in summer). Mass is held on Sunday mornings. A quiet, respectful atmosphere is expected.
Dress and Conduct
As a sacred site, shoulders and knees should be covered. Photography is not allowed inside the chapel; quiet conduct is expected. Lighting candles and tying wishes to the wishing wall are traditional practices.
Combine with Ephesus
The House of the Virgin Mary is just 7 km from Ephesus. Most transfer providers offer a half-day package combining Ephesus and the Virgin Mary's House; visiting both on the same day is the natural choice.
Pricing Details
One-way transfer between Selcuk and the House of the Virgin Mary is approximately €15-20. Online fixed-price bookings have no night surcharges or luggage fees. For a return trip with the driver waiting, expect an additional fee for the 1-2 hour wait — specify this at booking.
For a single visit, a return-trip taxi is the most practical choice. For a full-day package (Ephesus + Virgin Mary + Sirince Village) a private package is usually better value than separate transfers.
