Located in Tamsui, New Taipei City (Taipei County), Fort Santo Domingo has been known for its enriched historical background. The building was first built in year 1628 by the Spanish when they occupied the north of Taiwan. Over the past years, Fort San Domingo was owned by different nationals including Dutch, British, and Taiwanese. It was rebuilt by the Dutch in 1644, and was used as consolation office by the British. The property was not handed over to the Taiwanese government until 1980. It is now designated as class one historical monument.

The fort is divided into two areas: consolation office and the main fort. The main fort is structured squared; it is suitable for defense due to its deep ground foundation and thick walls. The fort was defensive to gunfire in old days. Since the fort is located on high terrain, they did not build prominent bunkers during the Dutch occupation. Instead of building prominent bunkers, Dutch set the southeast corner of the main fort to be the center of defense, which face toward the Tamsui River. After British took over Fort San Domingo, they painted the fort with red color, and reconstructed the pointed styled roof into flat. Other than repainting and reconstruction of the main fort, they also built two balconies on the northeast and southeast side of the building to defend and guard from intruders.

Apart from the defensive constructed main fort, the consolation office is designed by British architects, and constructed by Chinese technicians with fine red bricks. The red bricked building with arched corridor and oblique roof present the typical colonial construction. It has been awarded as Tier one historic site by the Ministry of the Interior of Taiwan. Visitors are able to learn and see how Taiwan had undergone different cultures.

Another highlight of visiting Fort San Domingo is the beautiful view of sunset. Enjoy a moment of romance from sunset is surely a good choice after a long trip. You might also choose to have a short stop at the coffee shops by the riverbank across this building. Fort San Domingo is an important historical attraction that you would not miss out when visiting Tamsui.

For more information on Fort San Domingo, please visit http://www.tshs.tpc.gov.tw/fore/en1-1.asp.