A-Ma Temple

About this place

A-Ma Temple is dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, in the south of the Macau Peninsula. Built in 1488, it is one of the oldest temples in the city, and many believe the name Macau itself comes from it. It belongs to the Historic Centre of Macau, on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2005. The story goes that when Portuguese sailors landed on the coast before the temple and asked the name of the place, locals answered «A-Maa-Gok», the goddess's pavilion. Over time the name passed through many Portuguese forms before settling as Macau. Old Chinese texts describe the temple, foreign artists painted it, and it was one of the first scenes photographed in the city. It has six parts: the Gate Pavilion, the Memorial Arch, the Prayer Hall, the Hall of Benevolence, which is the oldest, the Hall of Guanyin and a Buddhist pavilion. They step up the hillside among trees and rocks, one rock bearing a painted ship. A wide square of black and white wave paving lies in front, and huge incense coils hang inside. It is about 190 m in a straight line from the Moorish Barracks, so both fit a short walk. This is an active place of worship, so dress modestly, stay quiet and do not photograph worshippers or anything you are asked not to. The stone steps can be slippery and smoke can be thick, so take care with children. Chinese festivals bring crowds, so go in the morning.