A Ma Temple, Macau

A Ma Temple, Macau

This is definitely one of the most historic places in Macau. It is listed on UNESCO World Heritage list and the birth place for the name Macau.

Tourists throng to visit A Ma temple.
The temple is situated on the southwest tip of the Macau Peninsula.

It is believe it is one of the oldest Taoist temples in Macau.

Built in 1488, the temple is dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen. The goddess is also popular in Malaysia state Sabah.

This definitely one of the biggest round shaped joss-sticks we have seen in our life. Joss stick is an incense use for prayers in Buddhist and Taoist temples.
The name Macau is 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 “媽閣” .The Portuguese then named the peninsula “Macao”. The temple was well described in ancient Chinese texts, as well as represented in paintings. It is also one of the first scenes photographed in China. – Wikipedia.org

The word A Ma has its own meanings too in Chinese. In general, it means mother and it means grandmother in Hokkien dialect of Chinese.

Names are written on this tiles so the monks can pray for them daily. You can request to purchase one from the temple. 
As the temple is one of the popular tourist attractions, hundreds and thousands people visit this temple daily.

Lucky charms with messages in the temple. You can always purchase one for yourself if you are superstitious.

Devotees praying with joss sticks at A Ma temple.
Even it is more than 600 years old, the temple is well maintained. In 2005, the temple became one of the designated sites of the Historic Centre of Macau enlisted on UNESCO World Heritage List.

This is a must visit place in Macau as it is one of the most historic places. Please do spend more time venturing inside the temple as there are a few more buildings at the back of the temple. We regretted not spending more time in this temple and we hope youwill not repeat our mistakes. Have fun in Macau!

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A Ma Temple Address, Map and Contact:

Barra Square, Macao, China

+853 3996397

View Ah Ma Temple Macau in a larger map

Wilson Ng