Perhaps the most famous Mary of all time is Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. Today, you can visit places where the Virgin Mary deeply influenced the history of the world. Here are some significant Virgin Mary locations;
- Jerusalem, Israel
- Bethlehem, Palestine
- Nazareth, Israel
- Ephesus, Turkey
- Muxia, Spain
- Paris, France
- Fatima, Portugal
- Zaragoza, Spain
- Mexico City, Mexico
Some of the locations are where Mary certainly visited whereas others are where famous visions of her appeared.
Where was the Virgin Mary born? Jerusalem, Israel
There is some discussion about where the Virgin Mary was born. It was over 2000 years ago therefore there is a lot of space for argument. What can be sure is that she was born in the Holy Land. As a matter of fact, you can visit the Church of St Anne in Jerusalem which features a shrine to her birthplace. Additionally, above the door it’s written ‘Birth Place of the Virgin Mary’. Whether she was born there or not, it’s a symbolic place to visit. Read about more things to do in Jerusalem.
Birthplace of Jesus – Bethlehem, Palestine
Virgin Mary is the mother of Jesus, this fact is rarely questioned. Moreover, Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. Today, you can visit and also touch the exact birthplace of Jesus Christ. Read more about things to do in Bethlehem.
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ – Jerusalem, Israel
Jesus Christ was crucified close to Jerusalem at a place called Golgotha. He walked to Golgotha passing through the Via Dolorosa Street in old Jerusalem. When you visit Jerusalem it’s sure that the Virgin Mary has walked these streets.
Where did the Virgin Mary Live? Nazareth, Israel
You commonly hear, ‘Jesus of Nazareth’ as this was his home town. But no-one thinks that of course his mother lived there too! Nazareth is a real town which you can visit today. Read about the things to do in Nazareth.
The Later Years – House of Virgin Mary – Ephesus, Turkey
You could say that Mary had a stressful life, she was the mother of Jesus Christ after all. Imagine seeing your son crucified. It’s said that St John the apostle took Mary to the ancient city of Ephesus to live out her later years. As a matter of fact the house of Mary is located on the outskirts of ancient Ephesus on a hilltop. The closest modern day city is Selcuk. Read about the things to do in Selcuk as well as the tomb of St John the Apostle.
Where did Virgin Mary die? – Ephesus, Turkey
It’s believed that the Virgin Mary did not die but ascended into heaven. What can be sure is that in her later years she must have walked the streets of Ephesus in what is modern day Turkey. Read about things to do in Ephesus, Turkey including a huge Roman Amphitheater.
Where is the Tomb of Virgin Mary? – Jerusalem, Israel
Mary lived her later years in Ephesus and probably ascended to heaven there too. Nonetheless, her tomb is in Jerusalem. It’s located inside the Church of the Sepulchre of Saint Mary.
Was Mary Stabbed?
The Virgin Mary was not stabbed. However, some describe it as a knife in the heart when she saw her son crucified. As a matter of fact, the Lugo Cathedral in Spain features a statue of her with a knife in the chest.
Muxia, Spain
Legend has it that Virgin Mary arrived in Muxia, Spain on a stone boat. Saint James was on a mission to spread Christianity throughout the land therefore Mary came to support him. Of course, today Galicia is home to Santiago de Compostela which is the final destination of the most important Christian pilgrimage. Read more about Muxia, Spain.
Sainte Chapelle, Paris
Firstly, the Virgin Mary never visited Sainte Chapelle in Paris, nor did it exist during her lifetime. However, Sainte Chapelle was built to house part of the cross as well as the crown of thorns. For this reason, it has a connection to Virgin Mary as she was present at the Crucifixion.
Sanctuary of Fatima, Portugal
The Virgin Mary did not actually visit the Sanctuary of Fatima in her lifetime. However, visions of her were seen at the start of the 20th century. For this reason, a series of religious buildings exist. In addition, the Fatima pilgrimage is popular amongst the Portuguese. See more beautiful locations in Portugal.
Our Lady of the Pillar – Zaragoza, Spain
St James was preaching Christianity in Spain. It’s said he saw an apparition of Mary whilst in Zaragoza. What is different from the apparitions in Mexico City and Fatima is that Mary was still alive at the time. Finally, this event is honored by the huge Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in central Zaragoza.
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe – Mexico City
A vision of the Virgin Mary was seen during the 16th century just north of modern day Mexico City. As a result, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe was created. Each year thousands of pilgrims pay their respects at this site. Lastly, read about more Mexico City landmarks.
Religious Tourism
If there are any other important Virgin Mary facts or places she visited please contact me and I’ll add them to the list. Did you know the hand of John the Baptist still exists and it’s in Cetinje, Montenegro?
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