Fort Santo Domingo, a fortress full of history in Tamsui

Fort St. Dominic has stood for over three hundred years in the Tamsui Sector of New Taipei City and is listed as a Level One Ancient Monument. This ancient structure is situated on a hilltop from where one can see beautiful views of the Tamsui River and Guanyin Mountain.

A building full of history

This is a historic fortification located in the Tamsui District of New Taipei City, Taiwan. This site has a history deeply linked to the era of the European colonial powers that established themselves in Asia during the 17th and 18th centuries.

This is because the fort was originally built by Spanish colonizers in 1629. The Spanish established the fort as a military base and trading center to control the sea routes in the region. At that time, they named it “Fort Santo Domingo” in honor of their religious customs.

Years later, the Dutch drove out the Spanish and took control of the fort. This event took place in 1642. They rebuilt and fortified it for their own purposes. During this period, Tamsui became an important trading center for the Dutch in Taiwan.

Over the centuries, the fort passed through various hands, including the Qing Dynasty and the British Empire. In the 19th century, it was used by the British as a consulate until 1972.

The various struggles for control of this building were due to its strategic location. The fort is situated on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the Tamsui River and Guanyin Mountain, which gave it an advantage for surveillance and defence.

As for its architecture, one would think that being an iconic building of Taiwanese history, it would have details specific to this culture. Instead, however, we find a mix of Spanish, Dutch and British styles due to the numerous colonizations mentioned above.

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Fort Santo Domingo has been listed as a “Level One Ancient Monument” in Taiwan, meaning it has been officially recognized by the Taiwanese government as a site of utmost historical, cultural and architectural significance.

This is the highest designation that can be given to a monument or historical site in the country and comes with several responsibilities. From the time the fort was declared a Level One Ancient Monument, strict protection measures were imposed on it to preserve its integrity. Any alterations, restoration or maintenance must comply with specific regulations to ensure that its historical value remains intact.

Furthermore, due to its value to Taiwanese society, the fort is promoted as a prominent tourist and educational destination, with the aim of attracting visitors, both local and international, and preserving its cultural identity.

On the other hand, by declaring it a Level One Ancient Monument, the Taiwanese government is committed to ensuring the proper conservation of the site for future generations, which involves ensuring its continued maintenance and promoting its cultural value.

Tamsui (also known as Danshui) is a picturesque coastal district located in the northern part of New Taipei City. It is known for its stunning natural scenery and active cultural life, as well as for its work in preserving its rich history. Tamsui is a popular destination for both foreign tourists and local residents.

Prior to the colonial era, this district was a settlement of the Ketagalan tribe, one of Taiwan’s aboriginal tribes. During the European colonial era in the 17th century, both the Spanish and the Dutch established a presence in the region. At that time, the place became an important trading port.

While Fort Santo Domingo is one of the most iconic historical sites in Tamsui, there are other wonders worth visiting. For one, there is the pier. This is a popular place to stroll and enjoy the sea breeze. There are a number of restaurants, cafes and shops along the shore where you can stop to watch a beautiful sunset.

Then there is the Longshan Temple. This is a very ancient Buddhist temple recognized as an excellent example of the region’s architecture and religious culture.

If you enjoy walking around the city, the “old street” is an ideal destination. This is a street full of traditional shops, markets and street food stalls where travelers have the opportunity to try local dishes such as the famous iron biscuits (tie dan) or stinky tofu.