First erected in 1488, this temple is dedicated to Mazu or Ah-Ma, goddess of seafarers, which is where Macau got its name from. Landing in this area, the Portuguese understood its name, Maa-gok as ´Macau´. The goddess Mazu is believed to travel across the seas, protecting her worshippers from storms through miraculous interventions. Early legends about Mazu claim that she disguised herself as a poor girl seeking passage on a ship, to test the goodness of humans. Only an old poor man on a decrepit boat was willing to give her passage, and when a large storm approached, Mazu took the helm and steered the boat to safety. When they landed, she revealed her true form, and the temple was built on the site of her appearance. People still come here to pray for her protection and blessing.