The A-Ma Statue is a 66-feet (20-meter) tall statue of its eponymous goddess that rises above the 560-feet (170-meter) high Coloane Alto hill. Admire the artistic detail and craftsmanship of this white-marble monument, which honors the person that gave Macau its name. Be sure to bring your camera when you visit A-Ma Statue as you’ll want to take photos here of the uninterrupted vistas of the coastline and forests of Coloane.
Several legends surround the life of the goddess A-Ma (aka Tin Hau). One is that when traveling to mainland China, the boat she was sailing in got caught in treacherous weather and she guided it to safety on the shores of Macau. A temple was later built on the spot where the boat landed. When Portuguese colonists asked locals the name of the island, they said the name of the temple, which was misinterpreted as Macau.
The statue is constructed using 120 pieces of marble, with the face being carved out of one single piece. A-Ma stands facing the sea in a flowing ceremonial robe and a decorative headdress. Take a moment to appreciate the statue and stay for the breathtaking views. Look over dense forests to Hác Sá Beach, spot offshore islands and see soaring skyscrapers.
Just below the statue is the A-Ma Cultural Village. Be sure to visit the village, which is home to a temple complex that dazzles with its vivid colors and intricate stone and wood carvings. Stone carvings depict dragons, lions, tigers and other auspicious Chinese symbols on the staircase. Mingle with worshippers at the Tin Hua Temple, where statues of A-Ma decorate elaborate altars.
Positioned at the highest point of Coloane, the statue is accessible on foot via forested trails and by taking a detour on the Coloane Trail. A shuttle bus departs every half an hour for A-Ma Cultural Village from the foot of Alto Coloane. Free parking is available at the village.
Both the A-Ma Statue and A-Ma Cultural Village are free to visit and open daily.
