Archaeological Site of the Church of the Holy Saints in Spain Introduction
Due to construction work, it is temporarily closed. The archaeological site of the monastery at the parking lot on Peace Island, Keelung, has yielded stunning and substantial findings from archaeological excavations, which is considered one of Taiwan's significant historical site discoveries in recent years. Under the commission of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Keelung City, the archaeology team from National Tsing Hua University continued the excavation plan in 2019, gradually revealing the full scope of the Church of All Saints. The foundations at the site indicate that the interior and main structure of the church, along with the buttress remnants, suggest that the interior area of the church exceeds 200 square meters, with an overall area exceeding 350 square meters. According to Dutch historical documents, during their victory over the Spanish forces, the Dutch imprisoned over four hundred Spanish captives in this church, which illustrates the scale of the church. Among the excavated finds from the site are remains, European-style buckles, porcelain traded from China, blue-and-white cups, Anping pots, and other ancient artifacts. The historical significance of the site spans not only the Dutch-Spanish period but also includes cultural layers from the Iron Age, dating back 400 to 2000 years, and even the Yuanshan culture layer, which is over 3000 years old.
Archaeological Site of the Church of All Saints - Interior Overview
"Archaeological Site Display of the Spanish Jesuit Church" showcasing a corner of the site with the remnants of the church's foundation visible in the photo.
