The A-Ma Temple is the oldest existing temple in Macau, known for its historical significance and as one of the longest-standing architectural structures in Macau's heritage. The name Macau was thought to be derived from the name of the temple. It is said that when the Portuguese sailors landed at the coast just outside the temple and asked the name of the place, the natives replied Maa-gok or A-maa-gok ("The Pavilion of the Mother"). The Portuguese then named the peninsula "Macau".