The A-Ma Temple is a temple to the Chinese sea-goddess Mazu located in São Lourenço, Macau, China. Built in 1488, the temple is one of the oldest in Macau and thought to be the settlement's namesake.
The name Macau was thought to be derived from the name of the temple. It is said that when the Portuguese sailors landed at the coast just outside the temple and asked the name of the place, the natives replied Maa-gok or A-maa-gok (lit. "The Pavilion of the Mother"). The Portuguese then named the peninsula "Macau". The temple was well described in ancient Chinese texts, as well as represented in paintings, related to Macao. It is also one of the first scenes photographed in Macao.
Mark Doctoroff | Feb 25, 2018
This "Taoist Temple" dates back about 530 years-- and seems to have lent "its naming" (by Portuguese sailors) to Macau. The temple has five major components, and was designated/recognised by UNESCO when Macau was granted as a WORLD Heritage Site!! The site is often very peaceful/quiet-- and, as such it is quite a change from most other parts of Macau!! Give it a visit-- and you will be glad that you did!!
Hoon Kim | Feb 2, 2018
I heard the name Macau might be derived from this temple, which means that Ama temple is like the origin of Macau itself. But, regardless of history, there is not much to see for tourists, I guess. Still many people visit this temple because it is located in the historic centre of Macau and close to some other tourist attractions.
Finnew S. | Jan 5, 2018
In the Legends, A-Ma temple protected the safety of the fisherman. This is a place for chinese worship.The most unique is the incense burns. Chinese offers these incense spirals and hang them inside the temple.
Ronald Ho | Oct 6, 2017
Known to locals/drivers as "Ma Zhu" temple instead of "Ah Ma". "Ah Ma" will bring you the newer temple atop the mountains. Be sure to locate the right one. A historical stone among the growing community. It needs more attention if not, it will drop out of the "to visit" list. Although rich in history, it will be a hard to understand place compared to the mainland sites.
Fanny Coble | Jan 13, 2018
A lot of people there, need to paid for very temple visit. Very commercial place for a very well know temple
Ramababu Ta | Mar 15, 2018
Nice feeling to.know that this part of the world too believe in godesses. It's incense sticks every where.
sev033 | Mar 20, 2018
Very beautiful little temple . Many people come here for pray
Khushboo Mata | May 1, 2018
It was an old temple but nothing special. If you are around that area then worth visiting otherwise you can skip.
D Harlan | Jun 4, 2018
This a cool little temple. The staff use huge sticks of incense which smelled really awesome! My group and I walked about 30 minutes to the temple expecting a private locale focusing on the temple and its history. However, there is a very busy road right next to the temple that can be seen and heard from most places in the temple. There were are also no plaques or signs to explain the significance of the place
Jag Skillz | Jun 9, 2018
Another peaceful temple with impressive stone and wood cladding, easy to see why it's a unesco heritage site. It was great get out of the vacuous casinos and take a moment observe, contemplate and take it all in. Worth a visit.
BradJill Travels | Jun 5, 2018
A-Ma Temple is one of the most important attractions in Macau and is the oldest member of the UNESCO World Heritage collection. The temple is located at the Southwest tip of the Macau Peninsula at Barra Square and it marks the end of the World Heritage trail for the Historic City Centre of Macau. Historically, the first structures at A-Ma temple were built around 1490AD on the sight, where according to local legend, a lost young girl, named Matzu (locally referred to as A-Ma) appeared upon the rocks as a goddess to local fisherman. As such, A-Ma is has been widely celebrated at the temple for centuries. Other deities, like the popular Guin Yin (Kun Iam) and Tin Hau also are worshiped in the respective prayer halls found at A-Ma Temple. An interesting historical tidbit that involves the temple is that the name Macau is believed to have derived from from A-Ma Temple. It is said that the Portuguese named the island Macau, after hearing locals refer to the area in as 'A Maa Gau', which means Bay of A-Ma in Chinese. Beyond the significant and important history of A-Ma Temple, it is also a nice place to visit and explore. Its various halls, pavilions and courtyards scale the side of Barra Hall and are connected by winding footpaths. There are many red coloured buildings, some decorative and quite photogenic like the front prayer hall with the traditional moon gate. It is also worth seeing the stone lions which guard the memorial archway entrance into the temple grounds. One of the most interesting times to visit A-Ma temple is during the annual Chinese New Year holiday, when worshippers flock to the temple grounds to make offerings, burn joss-sticks and shoot off firecracker rolls, which can make a real spectacle, especially on the first day of the Chinese New Year. Unfortunately, it is very crowded and difficult to explore the temple grounds at this time of year. However, you can stay on Barra Square and simply look into the temple grounds since it slopes up a hill. This allows you to watch the action. Just make sure to cover your ears when the firecrackers start popping. It can get loud. In the end, A-Ma Temple is one of the most interesting and important attractions in Macau. Even for those making a day trip from Hong Kong, this is one of the attractions that is well-worth trying to make time for.
Srijna Prasad | Jul 2, 2018
Located at very quiet and nice place. Temple has different sections each of Buddhism taoism and Zen. Climbing up the stairs takes you to a high point from where you can see the south china sea and the city.
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.
Cheap travel packages from Washington, D.C.
Cheap travel packages from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
Cheap travel packages from Andrews Air Force Base (ADW)
Cheap travel packages from Baltimore/Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshal (BWI)
Cheap travel packages from Richmond Intl. (RIC)
Cheap travel packages from Philadelphia Intl. (PHL)
Cheap travel packages from Newport News Williamsburg Intl. (PHF)
Cheap travel packages from Norfolk Intl. (ORF)
Cheap travel packages from Roanoke Regional Woodrum Field (ROA)
Get compensated for late flights
The Ultimate Long Haul Flight Guide
Winter Wonderland: Top Destinations for Winter 2018
The Ultimate Travel Checklist!
What is it about Inspirational Travel Quotes?
Top Destinations for a Romantic Getaway