Chen Chong-he Memorial Hall Introduction
The Chen Zhonghe Memorial Hall, located in Lingya District, was once the residence of the prominent Chen Zhonghe family in Kaohsiung. Completed in 1925, this Baroque-style villa sits on a 900 ping plot of land, with a garden that spans an impressive 2,700 ping. The building is exquisitely designed, showcasing elegance and grandeur, and is recognized as the first private western-style house in the Kaohsiung area. The structure is a two-story brick building featuring intricate western architectural elements such as arches, columns, porticos, and triangular gables on the exterior. Inside, the layout follows a nine-square grid design, with classical gables, dormer windows, keystones, decorative flooring, window frames, and stone columns, all reflecting the traditional architectural style of Southern Fujian, showcasing a unique blend of Southern Fujian and Western influences. Once a magnificent residence, the first western-style villa has faded with time. In 1996, the foundation established by the Chen family commissioned the Department of Architecture at National Cheng Kung University to restore the building based on historical materials and opened it for public visits, displaying artifacts from the Chen family. Strolling through the corridors filled with the charm of yesteryear, one can appreciate the architectural aesthetics and the glorious history of the former elite family. Cultural activities can further nourish the soul, as one gazes out over the harbor at sunset, taking in the expansive and beautiful sea view.
