Fort San Domingo (New Taipei City Tamsui Historical Museum) Introduction
The Fort San Domingo, which has stood in Tamsui for over 300 years, is characterized by its striking reddish exterior. The site includes buildings from the Spanish era, Qing Dynasty, and Japanese occupation, making it one of Taiwan's oldest existing structures. The fort was originally built in 1628 by the Spanish, who controlled northern Taiwan, and named "Fort San Domingo." However, after the fort was destroyed, the Dutch rebuilt it in 1644 near the original site and named it "Fort Antonio." At that time, the Han people referred to the Dutch as "red-haired," which is how the fort got its name "Fort San Domingo." In 1724, Wang Qiang, the local official responsible for anti-piracy in Tamsui, began renovations on the fort, adding four surrounding gates. After 1867, the fort was leased by the British government to serve as a consulate, with a consulate residence built next to it. It has experienced the governance of the Spanish, Dutch, Ming Zheng, Qing Dynasty, as well as British, American, and Australian influences, serving as a living witness to Taiwan's history. The historic site of Fort San Domingo, opened to the public at the end of 1984, includes a castle-like main fort, a consulate residence in colonial style, and the South Gate from the Qing Dynasty. Its architecture serves multiple functions including military defense, consulate office, and prison. Walking along the arched corridor to the front square of Fort San Domingo, one can enjoy the view of the Tamsui River and Guanyin Mountain. One of the eight scenic views of Tamsui, "The Sunset at the Fort," is located here, and the beauty of the sunset is not to be missed.
