The Temple of the Goddess A-Ma is perhaps one of the oldest in Macau. The palace of the goddess was built over six centuries ago, during the Ming dynasty - Macau was leased to Portugal in the late 14th century.
There is a legend that the girl A-Ma tried to get on a ship that was heading to Canton. But the wealthy shipowner refused her. A kind and modest fisherman took pity on the girl and offered her to cross in his boat. The wind and storm were raging everywhere, but the sea was absolutely calm around the boat where the girl and the fisherman were. After the boat reached the shore, the girl suddenly turned into a goddess who was the guardian of the fishermen and sailors, who built a temple in her honour on the spot.
Several pavilions and prayer halls, which make up the entire temple, are situated on the hillside. The main structures of the temple are known as the Hall of Generosity, Memorial Arch, Buddhist Pavilion and Guanyin Hall. In front of the temple complex itself is a square paved with red and grey cobblestones brought here from Portugal. The pattern laid out on the pavement resembles sea waves.
The architectural style of the temple was kept in the Chinese tradition - beautiful and small towers with upturned roof eaves. Even today services are held here in honour of the goddess - the protector of sailors. The cult of the goddess A-Ma is also supported in other areas of China, located near Macau. It is believed that the goddess protects the city, and therefore fishermen must worship her.
Surrounding the temple stone sculptures of lions, protecting the holy place from the bustle and turmoil of everyday life, give visitors a sense of inner harmony with the world.
When China celebrates the New Year, an incredible number of pilgrims flock to this temple, praying for happiness and good luck in the coming year.
