Your trip to Macau will not be complete without visiting the different Temples.  When it comes to preserving religion, Macau was able to splendidly preserve the classic architectural designs of traditional temples.  By doing so, future generations are given the opportunity to take a peek into old beliefs, traditions, and practices of diverse religions that have been passed on from one generation to another.  In one swift tour, visitors are presented with temples that have been built to pay homage to the gods of Buddhism, Taoism, among others.

A-MA TEMPLE (Barra Point) – This particular temple has been playing an important role in the way of life of seafarers’ as early as the 16th century.  As a matter of fact, the name “Macau” was based on the name “A-Ma-Gau.”  According to the famous legend, a little girl name A-Ma was taken onboard a boat by a fisherman who took pity on her when all the other rich boat owners refused to accept her.  A storm tore the boats at sea except for the boat of the kind-hearted fisherman who welcomed A-Ma.  When their boat arrived in Macau, A-Ma suddenly vanished then came back as a goddess.  The fishermen then decided to build a temple on the exact spot where the goddess reappeared.

Upon entering the A-Ma Temple, one will see intricately designed prayer halls and pavilions three of which are dedicated to A-Ma.  It is also hard not to notice the lovely tiles on the roof and the gardens.  The A-Ma Festival is held every 23rd day of the third moon that falls either on the month of April or May.

KUN IAM TONG (Avenida do Coronel Mesquita) – The Kun Iam Tong is a Buddhist Temple that was built in honour of the Goddess of Mercy back in the 13th century.  The Kuan Iam Tong, with its magnificent entrance and lavishly designed roofs, is considered as the largest and richest of all of the temples in Macau.

While touring the courtyards of this temple, visitors will get to see the Buddha of Longevity and Kuam Iam who are clothed with delicately detailed silk and a crown.  At the back of the temple, visitors will also find lovely layered
gardens designed with different fountains.  The Kun Iam Tong Festival is held even 19th day of the second, sixth, ninth, and eleventh moons.

LIN FUNG MIU OR TEMPLE OF LOTUS (Avenida do Almirante Lacerda) – Stone lions welcome visitors at the entrance of the Temple of Lotus, which was built in 1592.  At the main hall, one can find a statue of Kun Iam at the ornate altar.  The Lin Fung Miu Temple has made a made in Macau’s history when it became the place where people from Guangdong would usually stay when they visited Macau.  The most notable of these visitors would have to be
Commissioner Lin Zexiu, the figure that is associated with the eradication of opium trade in Guangzhou back in the 1830s.  Lin Zexiu had been quite popular that as an added attraction, tourists can visit the Lin Zexiu Museum
which is open everyday from 9:00 am up to 5:00 pm.

TAM KUNG (Coloane Waterfront) – This temple that is dedicated to the Taoist god of seafarers, Tam Kung, is lavished with interesting images made of fragile porcelain.

TAI SOI MIU OR TEMPLE OF THE SLEEPING BUDDHA (Rua da Figueria) – This Temple of the Sleeping Buddha was built about two hundred years ago.  This temple is visited by mostly women to pay respect  to the different goddesses of fertility.  At the central altar, visitors will get to see the image of the Sleeping Buddha.

LIN KAI MIU OR STREAM OF MOURNING TEMPLE (Travessa da Corda) – The Stream of Mourning Temple was built back in the 17th century and is an imposing structure because of its striking frontage that are complete with rich carvings.  Worshippers pay their respects to the god, Ua Kuong, who protects against fire.  In another hall, one will find another famous character from Taoist mythology called the Monkey God.  The Ua Kuong Festival is held on the 28th day of the ninth moon.

Throughout Macau, visitors will also find shrines that are likewise dedicated to the different gods or deities.  It would be easy to spot these shrines as these are marked by burning incense sticks and different flowers.

While touring these sacred temples of Macau, expect to see a lot of exquisite forms of architecture that can be enriching and tiring at the same time.  Make sure that have a comfortable hotel to stay in like the Landmark Hotel Macau.  Of course, we must also take care of our bodies after feeding our souls.

Posted in Macau, Things to do

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