Even though it is widely debated, it is widely believed that after Mary was brought to Ephesus by Apostle John, her last residence was on Nightingale Mountain (About 4 miles up the mountain from the Ephesus archaeological site). It was close enough to the big city, yet remote enough so that she could maintain a low profile and be incognito. It is believed that she lived here until she died from natural causes at the age of 64.
The house is an official pilgrimage site of the catholic church.
The house itself is extremely small. There is only a very small entrance room, a slightly larger main room, and an exit way the size of the entrance. She must have lived very humbly. The site also has a spring which is hooked up somehow to a fountain. I'm pretty sure you aren't supposed to take any water but I emptied out my water bottle and filled up. Its believed that the water can cure illnesses and procure miracles -- Idk about my water now though. The act of stealing it might have negated all of its healing properties. Whatevs.
Oh and by the way, no pictures were allowed inside the sanctuary but you know me. Of course your girl procured a few photos. Gotta have documentation, nah mean?
Sorry Mary.
Entry Way
Inside Main Room
Old Wall Fresco
(Not sure how old it is)
View After Exiting
After you exit the home, there's a place where you can light a candle and say a prayer and that I did. Surprisingly, there was only me and 2 other people in sanctuary at the time. You would think there would be crowds of people but it was the exact opposite. Very quiet, very serene. It was just as you would expect for the former home of the Virgin. Now that I'm thinking about it, I would describe it as a beautiful experience.
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