Fort San Domingo

Located on a hilltop that affords a picturesque view of where the Tamsui River meets the Pacific Ocean, the present site of Fort San Domingo is named after the first fort built by the Spanish in 1628. It was torn down by the Spanish before the Dutch expelled them from Tamsui in 1642. Following this, the Dutch built another fort called “Fort Antonio” near the ruins of Fort San Domingo.

Since local residents in Tamsui at the time referred to the Dutch disdainfully as red haired savages, the fort was nicknamed Hong Mao Chen (紅毛城), which literally means “red hair fortress” in Chinese. Later refurbished by the British as a consulate office after 1863 and once again adopting its original name, Fort San Domingo became an interesting combination of military fort and diplomatic office.

Next to the fort stands another feature of the site, the former British Consular Residence. Built in the late 19th century, this elegant Victorian house incorporates some Chinese elements and now serves as a museum to showcase what the life of a consul might have been like. Besides these two buildings, there is also a lookout to view the beautiful Guanyin Mountain (觀音山) bordered by the Tamsui River, and makes for a lovely snapshot at sunset.

Notice:

Closed on the first Monday of the month (or the following working day if Monday is a public holiday), Chinese New Year’s Eve, and Chinese New Year’s Day (as well as other particular days announced separately).