The Most Beautiful Courthouse Ever: Baroque Architecture & Mysterious Catwalks – 5 Must-See Highlights of the Former Tainan District Court

▲The Tainan District Court is a Western-style historical building, listed alongside the Presidential Office and the National Taiwan Museum as one of the three classic architectural landmarks from the Japanese colonial period.

Reported and photographed by Chen Hanyin / Tainan

With its Baroque-style ornate carvings and majestic, solemn entrance hall, it’s hard to imagine this was once a sacred hall of justice. The former Tainan District Court is a second-class historic site left from the Japanese colonial era. After a century of history and restoration, the old building was finally opened to the public in 2016, attracting a large number of visitors. When you come here, don’t just skim the surface—experience all five major highlights to truly appreciate its historical beauty.

1. Baroque Architecture Like You’re in Europe

▲Elaborate classical floral carvings and columns.

Unlike most historic sites, influenced by the Westernization policies of the Japanese colonial period, the former Tainan District Court site is filled with a strong Western architectural style. As you step into the entrance hall, Baroque-style three-dimensional carvings, classical arches, and elegant columns come into view, giving the illusion of being in a European museum. Sunlight streams in through the coffered dome, shining on the pure white walls, enhancing the solemn and serene atmosphere, which feels almost dreamlike. Additionally, the light well corridor and red brick walls are perfect for taking professional-grade photos.

▲The well-lit corridor is also great for photos.

2. Explore the Mysterious Catwalk

▲The catwalk requires advance booking for visits.

The so-called catwalk refers to the 19th-century popular Mansard roof. This mysterious wooden elevated space is hidden in the roof attic, helping with ventilation and making future maintenance easier. The former Tainan District Court also features this design, but to explore the secret catwalk, you need to make a reservation. Due to the fragility of the historic site and safety concerns, only 20 people can be accommodated at a time. As you walk up the creaky wooden stairs and squeeze through a small white door, it feels like a scene from Alice in Wonderland. Standing up there, you can admire the rarely seen beauty of the historic architecture.

▲Squeeze through the small door to explore the secret catwalk.

3. Be a Judge for a Day

▲The exhibit displays judicial robes and precious historical artifacts.

The evolution of the judicial system reflects the trajectory of historical progress and serves as a profound civic education tool. In addition to displaying judicial documents, historical materials, and related artifacts, the former Tainan District Court also opens spaces such as the First Courtroom, Second Courtroom, and Third Courtroom to visitors. Among them, the mock courtroom allows the public to try on judge robes for free and experience presiding over justice by knocking the gavel—it’s quite fun.

▲Try being a judge for a day in the mock courtroom.

▲Both adults and children can dress up for free.

4. The Dark Detention Cell

▲The dark detention cell.

To experience the endless darkness of being behind bars, be sure to visit the detention cell. The iron-barred rooms were once used to hold prisoners. It’s said that to prevent self-harm, the cells were deliberately not partitioned, and even the toilet flush had to be controlled from the outside. Now open to visitors, there are also humorous signs nearby, such as “Love Scammer” or “Too Handsome to Stay Together,” allowing you to create your own “crime” for a fun photo op.

▲Create your own prison charge.

5. Craft Room: Free Souvenir Rubbings

▲Don’t forget to take home a free souvenir before leaving.

Before you leave, don’t forget to pick up a free souvenir. The site provides paper, pens, and up to five types of rubbings, such as the exterior of the court and the scales symbolizing justice, allowing visitors to create their own personalized souvenirs. Kids can also DIY here and take home free keepsakes.

▲Free DIY rubbings.

Location: No. 307, Section 1, Fufian Road, West Central District, Tainan City
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays and national holidays.