The Temple of A-Ma was built five centuries ago and is thought to be the oldest in Macao. When the Portuguese sailors first landed on the peninsula and asked the name of the place, the natives replied "A-Ma-Gao" (Bay of A-Ma). And therefore the peninsula was named Macao.

A-Ma is in fact a complex of temples, some people dedicated to A-Ma, others to Kun Iam, the Goddess of Mercy and Queen of Heaven. Legend has it that, A-Ma was an attractive young woman from Fujian Province who could calm the stormy sea and protect the fishermen. The temple was built at the very spot where she set foot on land before walking to the crest in nearby Barra Hill and ascending to heaven in glowing halo (a golden circle representing light around the heads by holy persons in religious paintings) of light and perfume.