Selçuk · TR

Natural Park of the Virgin Mary

The Natural Park of the Virgin Mary crowns Mount Koressos (Bülbüldağı, the Nightingale Mountain) about nine kilometres above Selçuk, a short drive up from the ancient city of Ephesus. Within a tranquil, pine-wooded nature reserve stands a small stone chapel venerated as the last home of Mary, mother of Jesus—a site of pilgrimage for Christians, and one held sacred by Muslims too. It is a place that rewards a slow visit: a candlelit chapel, a blessed spring flowing from arched stone fountains, a wall hung with whispered wishes, and cool forest paths with wide views over the Aegean plain. Easy to reach from Ephesus or Selçuk, it makes a serene counterpoint to the grand ruins below.