Na Tcha Temple

About this place

Na Tcha Temple is a small Chinese temple right behind the Ruins of St. Paul's, built in 1888 and dedicated to the guardian deity Na Tcha. It is one of the simplest sites in the Historic Centre of Macau on the World Heritage List, yet its closeness to that famous stone front makes a rare scene joining two religions and cultures in one corner. It is believed to have been built in the hope of ending a plague then ravaging the region. It is a simple single chamber, 8.4 m long and 4.51 m wide, reached through an entrance porch. The building is painted grey with little ornament, apart from paintings on the porch walls and protective ceramic figures on its ridge. A small pebbled square lies in front, bounded by an old earthen wall, said to be part of the old city wall. The traditional gable roof rises about five metres, with dark columns, red doors and incense. From one corner you see the front of St. Paul's above the wall, and a small exhibition room next door tells Na Tcha's story. It stands where two alleys meet by the ruins, so climb from behind them. It is a small place of worship, so do not obstruct worshippers or enter the chamber without need, and respect the incense and figures. The area around the ruins fills by day, so morning is best. It needs little time, so pair it with Monte Fort and nearby Camões Garden, about 260 m away.