Fort San Domingo

　　   Fort San Domingo stands at the end of Tamsui’s streets, heading toward Tamsui Township, perched atop the 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.

　　   From ancient times to the present, due to the strategic importance of Tamsui Port, and amidst continuous warfare, sovereignty over the port has changed hands many times. Today, it stands as an important witness to Tamsui’s development and the history of Taiwan.

　　   Fort San Domingo is situated on a small hilltop at the mouth of the Tamsui River. Along the mountain path, surrounded by lush woods and a tranquil garden, are a square consulate building made of red bricks and dormitory buildings with arched verandas. The exterior walls still feature decorative bricks symbolizing the Victorian era of Britain. The interior remains arranged as it was in the past, with facilities such as former offices and dungeons preserved just as they were. The National History Museum is responsible for displaying historical materials related to China’s foreign relations, Taiwan’s development, and Tamsui’s progress. Outside the fort are four old disused cannons, all relics from the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty.

　　   Climbing to the top of the fort via the internal staircase, visitors can take in the expansive views of the Tamsui River estuary, Guanyin Mountain, and the Datun Mountain Range. At dusk, the sea, setting sun, and the aging red building create 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 Town, Taipei County

　　   Telephone: (02) 2623-1001

　　   Opening Hours: 09:00–16:30

　　   Closed: Mondays and the day after national holidays

　　   Transportation Directions

　　   1. Take the Zhinan Bus from Taipei City’s Tacheng Street (Taipei Gate to Tamsui route), or take the Xindian Bus from Park Road (to Tamsui), and get off at Tamsui Special School Station.

　　   2. Take the Taichung Bus from beside Keelung Railway Station (to Tamsui), get off at Tamsui Station, then transfer to the Zhinan or Xindian Bus (to Tamsui) and get off at Tamsui Special School Station, or walk along Zhongzheng Road to the fort.