A-Ma Temple

If you're someone who loves visiting temples to soak in the culture of a place then a visit to A-Ma Temple in Macau is a must. Though the present structure dates back to the 16th century, it is believed that the temple existed even at the time of the arrival of Portuguese in Macau. The name of the city is said to have been derived from the Chinese phrase ‘A-Ma-Gau’, which actually means the ‘bay of the sea goddess’, which is where the temple is situated. At this place, anglers came to restock their supplies and prayed to the sea goddess for pleasant weather. A-Ma Temple has prayer pavilions on four levels, set in the hill that rises from the waterfront of the inner harbour. The beautiful architecture of the temple has attracted the attention of a number of artists worldwide, including George Chinnery and Auguste Borget. Hundreds visit this popular temple every day.