Macau

Macau: A-Ma Temple

Another highlight was the famous A-Ma Temple, which is also listed as UNESCO cultural heritage site. The A-Ma Temple is one of the oldest and most famous Taoist temples in Macau. Built in 1488, the temple is dedicated to the goddess of seafarers and fishermen Matsu.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 “Maa Gok”. The Portuguese then named the peninsula “Macao”.The temple was constructed in the year of 1488 of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to commemorate Mazu, the sacred sea goddess who blesses the fishermen of Macau. It is said that the goddess was called Lin Mo, and that she was born in Putian City, Fujian Province, and was more intelligent than other children her age. She could predict good or ill luck and after her death she often helped merchants and fishermen ward off calamities and turn danger into safety. Now there are a number of folktales about the great goddess narrated in the littoral lands.The A-Ma Temple is a destination offering silence and spectacular views.

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