Fort San Domingo

Fort San Domingo

Fort San Domingo stands at the end of Tamsui’s main street, heading toward Tamsui District, perched atop a hill at the mouth of the Tamsui River. With a history spanning over three and a half centuries, it is the most historically significant building in Tamsui and a first-class historic site.

Since ancient times, due to the strategic importance of Tamsui Port, the port’s sovereignty has changed hands repeatedly amid ongoing conflicts. Today, it stands as an important witness to the development of Tamsui and the history of Taiwan.

Fort San Domingo is situated on a small hill at the mouth of the Tamsui River. Following the mountain path, you’ll find lush greenery and tranquil gardens surrounding the site. Hidden within are a square consulate building made of red bricks and dormitory structures featuring arched verandas. The exterior walls still display decorative bricks symbolic of Britain’s Victorian era. The interior remains arranged as it was in the past, with former offices, dungeons, and other facilities preserved as they were. The Historical Museum is responsible for displaying historical materials related to China’s foreign relations, Taiwan’s development, and Tamsui’s progress. Outside the fort, there are four old-fashioned decommissioned cannons, all relics from the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty.

Climbing to the top of the fort via the internal staircase, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Tamsui River estuary, Guanyin Mountain, and the vast expanse of the Datun Mountain Range. At dusk, the interplay of the sea, setting sun, and the aging red building creates a breathtaking atmosphere that has long been etched into the annals of history as an indelible mark of the town of Tamsui.

Address: No. 1, Lane 28, Zhongzheng Road, Tamsui Township, Taipei County

Phone: (02) 2623-1001

Opening Hours: 09:00–16:30

Closed: Mondays and the day after public holidays

Transportation Guide

1. From Taipei City’s Tacheng Street, take the Zhinan Bus from Beimen to Tamsui, or take the Xindian Bus from Park Road to Tamsui, and get off at Tanshan Station.

2. From Keelung Railway Station, take the Taichung Bus to Tamsui, get off at Tamsui Station, then transfer to the Zhinan or Xindian Bus to Tamsui and get off at Tanshan Station, or walk along Zhongzheng Road to reach the site.